I have a low coolant alarm - phew!

My water pump was less than 12 mths old when it failed. The original was replaced at 82000km when the HG was replaced. The third one had also done 80000km when it was replaced at the same time as the cam belts.

Think I've found the problem!
I'll know after today's journey. Watch this space.

Well, I have found a leak where the bottom return pipe attaches under the expansion tank.
The spring type clip seems to have lost some of its tension and is allowing coolant to escape when the system is pressurised.
I have fitted a good old dependable jubilee clip instead. So fingers crossed.
More news as it happens

Sounds like a cheap fix David, Phew!

Hi David, pleased you have found it, i have never liked the spring type hose clips, give me old fashioned Jubilee clips any day, the spring ones were developed for speed during assembly who care how long they last!!! ~ i am surprised that you did not see any coolant underneath the car. hopefully it will have cured the problem. regards Bryan

Yep, jubilee clips are far better. The coolant was dropping onto the hydragas sphere and disappearing into the suspension.

Well the coolant level has stabilized,:yesnod: so the problem was that dodgy spring clip! On the plus side I also found and replaced a weeping heater control valve.

Thanks to all the suggestions and tips.

So another place to keep an eye on for leaks.:rolleyes2:

I just have to sort out the squeaking alternator belt now!:dunno:

Not a fan of the spring clips either. Every time I remove one I replace it with a stainless jubilee clip.

Well, it's back.:shake:

Leaking again. Damn, damn, damn...

OK, I took off the engine cover and had a really good nose about. After some time and several burns(ouch), I found a jubilee clip with a small amount of pink crystallisation around it. Where the pipe joins at the ECT sensor. You can see the position on Clive's excellent photo.



So I replaced it and topped up the coolant and off we went on the Trough of Bowland run. I had to top up half way around!
Home again, and I jacked up the rear of the car and popped the axle stands under. I got down and dirty and finally found some pink staining under the inlet manifold. Aha! I left the car propped up overnight and yes, this morning there were drips of coolant running down the front of the engine.

Now I've already replaced the inlet manifold gasket twice since we've had the car. So I've decided to ditch the plastic inlet manifold and fit the alloy version from the 135TF.

I'll post some piccies of the process when the manifold arrives.

Yep, the plastic manifold does tend to warp. Hope a new manifold sorts it for ya.

Must admit I'm thinkin of doing that to Meg in the warmer weather just in case.... the plastic one looks worse for wear and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Does anybody think that the gasket may have been weeping slightly?:dunno:





The manifold with offending gasket.