2.1 Coolant loss (again) : (

[robber_roo]

Hi all

I have an E reg T25 2.1 which has been losing coolant. I've changed the dalek cap as mine was shot. Also changed the coolant junction.

Today I found a small amount of coolant on top of the off side cylinder head, behind the alternator.

Any ideas as i was planning a trip to Cornwall in 2 weeks time.

Many Thanks
___________

[toomanytoys]

could be anything..
is it still generating exessive pressure and blowing it back into the top up tank??

[robber_roo]

Not on the last run. I checked after the engine had cooled down the top up tank was up to the max but the main tank was about 2/3 full.

[kevtherev]

should be full to the brim at all times

[robber_roo]

should be full to the brim at all times

Agreed. That's why i'm concerned

[kevtherev]

If it was full when the engine was running then as it cools down it should draw coolant back from the top up tank

[robber_roo]

I thought when the engine was cold (cooling) the coolant was drawn back from the top up tank (behind the number plate) into the main tank (in the engine bay). So this would make the main tank full when the engine is cold.

This happened (it was drawn back) but i seem to have lost 1/3 of the coolant.

I've checked the oil and all seems good. i.e no mayo

Also, how did the coolant get up on the cylinder head ?

Any thoughts good people

Sorry about this, still learning !

[kevtherev]

You could have a pressure leak.
When the system is fully pressurised (about 10 psi I think, the cap releases at 14) it might be easing out of a joint somewhere, and if its easing out onto a hot engine it will evaporate before it's noticed.

On the other hand it could be combustion gas and not air.. Hopefully not

[R0B]

Stick some kseal in it.This should stop any small leaks for a while.Not a permanent fix (Although the bottle states it is) But it does last for ages..

[robber_roo]

Thanks all

Had the engine pressure tested... All good I think it may have been a case of too much coolant in the top up tank. I've emptied it out to the min mark, added K Seal just in case and it's running great. Also rewired the rad fan so it turns on automatically. It had a switch on the dash before although i have left it in as an override

Looks like the holiday is back on