Coolant (again) how much should I worry...

TaDa · Mar 16, 2010

Between August last year and February this year my 2000 TD5 D2 used up about 2 litres of coolant.

After filling it up (repeatedly due to not knowing how to properly bleed it:doh

it seems to be reasonably stable. I wonder if its losing only a very small amount per run but left unchecked for months on end it seems more scary.

I cannot see any obvious leaks but I'm not now looking for a torrent but a fine mist - somewhat harder to spot I fear. It is possible that last august the top up was not bled properly either!

So, is the loss worryingly quick for this age car (and the coldness of the winter)?

ratty · Mar 16, 2010

TaDa said:
Between August last year and February this year my 2000 TD5 D2 used up about 2 litres of coolant.

After filling it up (repeatedly due to not knowing how to properly bleed it:doh it seems to be reasonably stable. I wonder if its losing only a very small amount per run but left unchecked for months on end it seems more scary.

I cannot see any obvious leaks but I'm not now looking for a torrent but a fine mist - somewhat harder to spot I fear. It is possible that last august the top up was not bled properly either!

So, is the loss worryingly quick for this age car (and the coldness of the winter)?

It's possible it's only losing it under pressure when it's being driven. Look out for chalky or sticky residues on hose connections.

Pop the bonnet after driving it and see if you can smell a sweet sickly/curry type smell. If you can, it's coolant loss. I've just found a small leak on top of the thermostat I fitted before christmas. Looks like the spring type jubilee clip has gone weak. I need to get myself some more antifreeze first and then I'll fit a new jubilee clip on friday.

TaDa · Mar 17, 2010

I'll give it the sniff test next time I drive it

Sadly everything seems to have a chalky residue on it - I guess I need to clean all the coolant hoses and clips and drive it for a while.

Thanks

biggeeeee · Mar 17, 2010

Had to replace my radiator due to this, never could see a leak but showed up with a pressure test 51 plate TD5

TaDa · Mar 17, 2010

She's going in for a checkover on Friday - maybe the professionals will see a leak.

I'm less worried now - she's not losing coolant quickly anymore (if she ever was - I discovered I was not properly topping her up!)

She also smells of curry and not just after a takeaway

Coolant (again) how much should I worry...

TaDa

Active Member

ratty

I'm not special I'm limited edition

TaDa

Active Member

biggeeeee

Retired - Living the dream

TaDa

Active Member

Similar threads