reservoir runs dry!!

Post by **1990panelvan** » 15 Oct 2006, 22:27

hi there! anyone know whats making all the water disappear from my 1.6TD reservoir?
this is my first post here!!!
Tony

Post by **Mocki** » 16 Oct 2006, 06:14

which res?
the top up tank behind the numberplate flap, or the header tank in the engine bay, or the wsher bottle tank under the passenger floor?

give us a clue........

Post by **Bilbo Blue** » 16 Oct 2006, 17:14

I assume youve checked for splits etc in bottles an hoses?
But ya 10 to 1 its a cracked head.
Mine was using water with no other symptoms at all an sure enough when the head came off there she was.......

Post by **1990panelvan** » 16 Oct 2006, 20:53

its the top up tank behind the flap.
i fear head damage

Post by **Mocki** » 16 Oct 2006, 21:40

Ok, the top up tank should be filled to the max level when cold, it works on vacume created when the engine gets warm and up to temp, pushes the expanded water into this top up tank from the header tank, and when the coolant cools down and contracts the vacume caused sucks back what it needs, so, firstly, make sure the header tank is full to the brim when cold, and that the small hose to the top up tabnk is good, then inspect the header tank for cracks around the rim, this is common with the late type with screw on cap.
It could also be the pressure cap itself faulty, replacements are not dear to get this out of the equasion.....

only if the level is going down in the header tank every time to more than the top up tank can refill it will it be a more major problem, which, could just as easily be a seeping pipe union rather than a head prob.

you need to make sure that there isnt any leakages in the rest of the system at this point, which may not show up when the coolant is hot, as it evaporates on the hot pipes, so park on some cardboard or a peice of wood overnight to see evidence of leaks from a cooling system.

Post by **1990panelvan** » 16 Oct 2006, 22:09

the header tank seems to stay the same all the time.
ill give it all a real good looking at this weekend!
Thanks for your reply steve

Post by **1990panelvan** » 20 Oct 2006, 23:19

ok filled it up, ran it and got it up to temp, and found water jetting out of a tiny hole in the header tank just where it says "min"
Got a new tank today gonna fit it tomorrow. "should" be sorted, i hope...
Tony.
Has anyone refitted the engine bay bellypan? has many people left it off?

Post by **rogbodge** » 20 Oct 2006, 23:29

Bellypan, tinware, engine shroud? Took mine off yrs ago it was always rattling from lost screws & was an access nuisance - no visible or functional ill-effects to date - in theory it protects the engine bay & contents! from salty road spray in winter. I'm watercooled diesel.