So last week I was giving the beast a clean and took it out for a drive, getting back I popped the bonnet to just have a look (the thing is needing a bit of work done to it so I like to do this everytime I give it a drive to check that everything is in order).

Anyway, upon checking this time I noticed a line of water specks sort of central to the engine going downwards from about a third of the way down the firewall and on top of the IRD. It was a dry day (albeit cold) and so were the roads so I'm ruling that out.

Yesterday I took the inlet manifold off and checked the gasket - given that they're only a few quid I replaced it anyway. Not had the chance to check it again as it's been wet but I'd like to know if there's anything else I can take a look at?

More info: she's done about 150K miles and hasn't had a head gasket change (oil is still oil and not mayonnaise). No noticeable coolant loss or oil loss either and the temperature gauge never goes above half-way, some slight white smoke during idle but is non-existent during normal driving (doesn't smell sweet - more sour?) and the check engine light is on (my OBDII reader won't pick it up - it has had the ground splice to pin 5 too).

Water cooler pipes that go into IRD? I had one of the pair split once and it fired coolant all over the back of the engine, bulkhead, IRD, etc.

Does the water you're seeing have any antifreeze in it (is it clear or coloured)? That'll give you a good indication whether it's a coolant leak or you went through a stray puddle somewhere. It may have been a dry day, but it is December so evaporation from the road takes a good while...

Can't say about the colour as it wasn't very much and assumed the colour of the coating of filth on the respective parts but I'll have a look tonight to see if I can see any damage to the pipes.

I ruled out road moisture as it was very localised :s

Just trying to rule out the possibility of a crack in the cylinder head

Possibly. I'm guessing this is a 1.8? My experiences are all Td4. Plenty on here with petrol vehicles tho so I'm sure someone will have some bright ideas soon

you washed the car did you not as you said you had cleaned it

teddywood1 said:

you washed the car did you not as you said you had cleaned it

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I missed that bit