Water loss-where?

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
The water keeps disappearing from the top up tank.
The header tank was full and the top up tank was up to the halfway mark about 150 miles ago. I had to add water to the top up tank this morning before I travelled back from the Isle of Wight.
This is not a new problem it has been happening for sometime.
There are no stains anywhere to indicate a leak and the 'Dalek' cap was replaced about two years ago, but the problem remained. Operating temp is fine.
Sometimes I have travelled with an empty top up tank because I have forgotten to check the water level but the temp has never gone above normal anyway.
No increase in oil level-engine or auto box.
It must be going somewhere?????????????????
Don (1.9DG, LPG'd)

[itchyfeet]

Its taken me 7 years to stop my van loosing coolant.
i had several small leaks, some leaked cold some only when hot and with the latter it evaporates so makes it hard to find.

keep looking, you need to go over every part of the cooling system hot and warm and cold. One of the problems i also had was a cracked head but this was noticeable because of steam from the exhaust, so if its not that its leaking somewhere.

so i had
leaking water jacket seals
cracked thermostat housing
cracked coolant junction
leak on the level sensor
leak on the radiator
cracked cylinder head

none of these were easy to spot, very subtle signs of deposits and pink coolant drips

Check the heater matrix pipes also

[Dazco]

I have a similar problem and have traced it to the head seals on both sides. Not saying is the same but might be worth removing push rod shields , take van for a fun then have a look as soon as you get home. Daz

[ghost123uk]

Mine was a small leak in the radiator. As Itchy says, and certainly the case with mine, it only did it when hot and it dried up before it ever actually dripped. It was in a lower corner so difficult to spot. Eventually it got worse and pinky/white deposits became apparent in that area. A new rad from Brickwerks was fitted.

That was about 3 years ago, now (like the 2 posts above) I too have a drip from a head seal

[JonnyAtlantic]

Mine was a crack in the main coolant tank. Just enough for it to steam off at pressure. Searched for a year until it got big enough to notice a bit of coolant on underside of tank.
Replaced and levels holding at present.

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
Thanks for comments.
It is obviously going somewhere but the loss is not consistent.
I just had a look and the level has not decreased at all despite a 120 odd mile run.
Don

[clift_d]

Also, take a look at your water pump. Once the bearings / seals start to go then you can lose quite a bit of coolant through here.

[NicBeeee]

If it isnt losing water after a long run when warm then I presume it must be dripping when the engine is dormant and cool, could be due to a part that can seal when expanded

[GMAN140]

My leak was from the bolt at the top of the rad (bleed valve ) but only leaked after about a hour so it took a long time to work out where the leak was .

[Smosh]

*thread Hijack* kinda...


ugh... I go away friday night. Im just noticed top up tank is empty. Topped it up, it emptied again, topped it up and again!!!! (insert definition of insanity)

Running normal temperature! Smells like coolant/overheating! Havent explored yet, butn hoping its a leaky pipe!

[CovKid]

Give it a good run until its up to normal operating temperature then pull up, keep the revs around 2000 (use a brick on throttle) then look everywhere. You'll find it. If its behind the radiator it could be harder to spot but check every pipe, bottle, sensor....

[ghost123uk]

And if you can smell it, then it must be getting onto a hot place, so look for any white / red/white (or blue/white) deposits where the water content has evaporated and left behind chemicals from the antifreeze.

Can you smell it in the cab when driving ? (thinks heater pipes (or matrix ) or rear heater if fitted).

[Smosh]

I had a look, there are signs of coolant leaks on top of the engine on several of the hoses, but they that have been there since I got it and werent leaking when I tested it.

The smell is coming from the front. But i couldnt see anything. Its got too dark now aswell. I will try again on the front tomorrow.

We get the boat tomorrow, 7pm. Im working till 5.30 & still need to pack. I fear this will need to be repaired on the campsite when we get there.

Its running fine at the sec doesnt appear to be over heating... Maybe its an Aircooled!

[CovKid]

Well, to some extent the fan (and passing air) will compensate (for a while) but if you allow air into the cooling system through it running too low, eventually the rad won't be able to do its job and it definately will overheat. Just keep it topped up constantly. Would be worth bleeding the system a little to make sure you don't have air in it.

[ghost123uk]

The smell is coming from the front. But i couldnt see anything. Its got too dark now aswell. I will try again on the front tomorrow.

That points to a radiator leak as a definite possibility. They can often only leak when hot and the coolant often evaporates before you see it dripping. Parts of the rad can be hard to examine in situ, making it harder to spot.
I find the two lower corners are often the culprit. I have also read on here of leaks from the bleed valve (top left of the rad). Again look for any signs of deposits.