T25 Coolant Tank Behind Number Plate

[AdyHoggs]

Hi, My coolant tank behind the number plate on my T25 1.6 TD is empty after most journeys, this has been happening for a while now. The strange thing is the main coolant tank with the Dalek lid has never lost any coolant and remains a good colour with anti freeze in, as though it’s not taking any of the plain water from the number plate tank. What could be causing this, hoping not a head gasket inside, thanks for any help

[Aidan]

When you say after most journeys, what sort of mileage, with or without stops where the engine cools a good bit, or fully ?

After say a 10 mile trip (which is enough to get upto full working temp) is it empty or are there signs of leakage ? Or sign the top up tank overpressure exit is spraying coolant onto the underside of the engine cover

The original over-braided hose that connects to the darlek cap could well be perished and leaking, probably onto the exhaust/shield where it evaporates away.

Is the exhaust tailpipe always wet / white smoking - can be easier to observe in driving conditions if someone can follow you and eyeball it, especially when you stop for lights/junctions as it can be more noticeable at low revs when hot idling

I'd advise getting a sniff test done at friendly local garage if you can't see any signs of leakage underneath, either on the engine and check the long front to back pipes where they join the rubber hoses if the internal ferules on the plastic pipes have rusted out they tend to weep there, usually leaving witness stains

[AdyHoggs]

Thankyou Aidan