water leak help

hi
ive got a 2004 TD4 sport ive got a whole in either the RAD, aircon or hoses loosing about a 2 pints a week, whats the cant see any damage from the top. whats the best way to get a good look at the rads and pipes whilst it running to look for the leak? remove the whole front bumper? or if i remove the engine splash cover does it allow a clear view?

any help would be great thanks

lee

anyone? before i start rippin apart the td4 lol

Leave it running, get it up to operating temp, get out a torch and start looking, it's time consuming to find the leak but its better than dismantling everything first

Is there any excessive steam coming out if exhaust ? Check oil and water isn't mixing (head gasket gone)

Also get someone to rev it a bit while your looking as some very small leaks won't show unless under a bit if pressure

i just looked through the haynes, nope its not a head gasket 0 smoke everytime i stop after its full warmed up can see it dripping away but cant see where from. whats the layout for the cooling system is it intercooler at the front, then air con radiator, then water radiator?

have you checked header tank ? known for fractures around neck thread, can be seen radiating out from neck thread, only open up under heat / pressure, maybe some crystal marks or staining around the neck of the header tank.

good luck

Remove the undertray. Front bumper removal wont show you much.

Undertray off you can see if its coming from Rad or bottom hoses.

Noting of to much interest around the back of the engine as thats mainly exh manifold. If needs be, you can jack it up on the chasis and look through the holes in the wheel arches where the steering rack comes though. That will make the rear of the engine visible.

Dont forget to check the heater matrix inside the car, on the pass footwell and look upwards, but if you were losing alot through there, i think you'd notice.

Lastly, check the thermostat , hard to see, but if its leaking from down the crank side of your engine, it could be that.

thanks guys im gonna put it on ramps tomorrow after work and have a real good look ill let you guys know if i find the leak

thanks
lee