New Caterham R420 Coolant Puddle under Expansion Tank

[Stickshifter]

had car for a year from new, just pulling it out of garage as Spring is here not driven for 4+ months.....noticed coolant puddle directly under expansion tank....did drive it hard before putting away....cleaned puddle, came back next day and little puddle again, need to take a look tmrw and take nose cone off....will check hoses and radiator for leak...thoughts before I go a looking?

-S

[LB14]

Most likely radiator failure.

The coolant damages the rad when it’s left unused for long periods.

I had 2 new rads in 18 months, Caterham didn’t want to know when I said the rads aren’t fit for purpose.

Quite common in the 420 I’m afraid. Hope it’s better news for you, if not its £600+ for a new one.

[Stickshifter]

Ok will take a look tmrw.

[BertBert]

LB14 said:

The coolant damages the rad when it’s left unused for long periods.

That's a very strange thing, how does it happen and what is it about leaving it unused that causes it? It's just strange that a radiator which contains coolant by design should be damaged like that.

[slime bomb]

Use the blue coolant not that pink stuff that cc recommend is what Radtec told me and it seems to work very well.

[Stickshifter]

So took nose cone off and had kitchen roll underneath last few days so marked the centre of the liquid and it was directly underneath the radiator reservoir tank and the radiator/oil cooker sits a good 6+ inches in front of that....asked my wife with smaller hands, better eyesight etc etc to feal under reservoir next to hose and yes there was liquid there around the hose and tbh hose wasn't sitting straight and jubilee clip not as tight as perhaps should be..so reset pipe, tightened jubilee and put some sealant around just in case....

I have had issues with radiators before on other cars when have not cleaned winter salt off them properly and then put car away...had forgotten but these messages reminded me to be a little more mindful and yes good ideas will change 'orange' to 'blue'!!!

As always thanks you always helps knowing folks are out there to help :-)

[LB14]

BertBert said:

That's a very strange thing, how does it happen and what is it about leaving it unused that causes it? It's just strange that a radiator which contains coolant by design should be damaged like that.

Yes very strange but I believe the pink coolant can crystallise when not used for some time causing splits in the radiator. Both my rads failed after taking the car out of winter hibernation, then I read about using the blue coolant as a fix if the car is being laid up for a period of time.

Sounds like the OP’s issue might be a loose pipe thankfully.

Edited by LB14 on Sunday 7th April 14:27