1.8 coolant leak at rear of engine

So after just a week or so of ownership... first problem.

Yesterday I noticed a small pool of water under the car after a run of 20 miles or so. Sure enough the expansion tank was low so I topped it up. Since then there is a steady drip drip drip which is worse when the car is warm but still happens when it has been stopped for a while.

Just spend a couple of hours trying to find the source and after removing the sump guard and various other things such as the air filter box to gain access, I've finally found the source.

Behind the engine there are various rubber pipes for the cooling system and they connect to two small metal pipes which seem to disappear into the gearbox (or IRD maybe)? The top one of these has a small pinprick hole.

So how best to fix it? It doesn't seem easy to remove the pipes (not even sure if the metal pipes are separate from anything or part of a larger component.

Does anybody have a diagram which could shed any light on what the pipes are connected to and what they are for?

I was wondering if I could effect a repair by using B-Weld or something.

Any assistance most welcome.

ird heat exchanger pipes

use liquid metal to seal the hole

don't try to remove the whole thing it will be useless after

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FREELANDE...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5ae7605261

Thanks for the help. I'll try liquid metal first but if not I guess I'll have to buy the replacement unit you linked to.

Is it reasonably easy to fit?

Replacing a IRD cooling means moving the IRD out, Isn't it?

hsp said:

Replacing a IRD cooling means moving the IRD out, Isn't it?

Click to expand...

8ugger, I hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Am I right in thinking that it's just a press fit with some sealant and that's why it tends to get damaged when removed?

Also, I assume that the IRD has to be drained of oil first?

Not sure if you need to drain it.

May be you can move the IRD to the right and gain access to the cooling plate and replace it (make sure the RH driveshaft can also move to the right, or remove it first).

Recently I moved the IRD about 1 1/2 inch to the right in order to get to bolts securing the gearbox to the stiffener bracket (they were loose!), but it is cramped, hard to get some working space, but probably easier then taking the whole box out. Support the IRD and gearbox when unbolting!

Why it is easily damaged? because it's made of old coca cola cans!

Thanks for the advice.

I'll take a look this weekend.

hsp said:

Not sure if you need to drain it.

May be you can move the IRD to the right and gain access to the cooling plate and replace it (make sure the RH driveshaft can also move to the right, or remove it first).

Recently I moved the IRD about 1 1/2 inch to the right in order to get to bolts securing the gearbox to the stiffener bracket (they were loose!), but it is cramped, hard to get some working space, but probably easier then taking the whole box out. Support the IRD and gearbox when unbolting!

Why it is easily damaged? because it's made of old coca cola cans!

Click to expand...

So I have applied some liquid metal to the small pinhole and all seems fine and the leak is stopped.
What I will do now is apply a little more liquid metal and the place a fuel hose clip around the whole lot to ensure it stays fixed whilst the liquid metal is still liquid. I didn't want to do this initially in case the leak was not fixed properly and then I wouldn't have been able to get the clip off.

Fingers crossed, all ok...