p38 coolant loss

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ravenbear

New Member
Posts
6
Location
scotland
Hi. Looking for some advice:
I have a 1998 p38 4.6. Its done 131,000 miles. I had the cylinder head gasket done 3 years ago since then I have had coolant loss and have replaced header tank, radiator and water pump. the coolant loss continues but with no sign of leaking. It runs really well with no fault except I have to top it up regularly. Its just very frustrating. I have read that it could be evaporating in the engine but why would it continue to run so well for so long if that's the case. I would appreciate if anyone could shine a light on my problem. Best regards.
 
Hi thanks for taking an interest. Footwells dry. roughly 60 to 70 miles then I need to top up about a 1lt except on long runs then its more like 150 plus miles to 1lt. I live in the country and work from home so mostly 20 to 30 mile round trips when I go into town. I do about 4000 miles a year. Cheers.
 
Hi. Looking for some advice:
I have a 1998 p38 4.6. Its done 131,000 miles. I had the cylinder head gasket done 3 years ago since then I have had coolant loss and have replaced header tank, radiator and water pump. the coolant loss continues but with no sign of leaking. It runs really well with no fault except I have to top it up regularly. Its just very frustrating. I have read that it could be evaporating in the engine but why would it continue to run so well for so long if that's the case. I would appreciate if anyone could shine a light on my problem. Best regards.
Speak to Kermie, he is our resident expert on this matter. LOL
 
How much coolant do you lose over a given period? How hard does the top hose get? The best way to find random leaks in my experience, is a pressure tester
 
sorrry I meant 150 miles. Its not wet under the expansion tank put I havent checked the top hose but will do. The thing is it's been like this for 3 years but runs great!!!
 
Mine leaks where the heater pipes go thru the bulkhead, drops onto the exhaust and evaporates, you never see it. I only know because i can feel wet round the jubbly clip
Does the engine temp go to the middle when driving? Or does it run cool
 
Get a new cap for your expansion bottle. :)
How "wet" is your exhaust?
Shove a UV die in and look for the leaks with a UV torch at night.
Put a bottle of "bars-leaks" in it and see what happens to both temps and water loss.
Good Luck.
 
Personally wouldn't put any kind of bar/stop leak into the coolant, it's a short term fix not a repair.
I've suffered greatly from it being used when i first got my landy, blockages in the narrow pipework etc
 
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