Leaking Rad ? ? ?

[snorky]

I now have my shiny new Chim ! ! ! ! ( Piccies soon ). I noticed that the level in the expansion tank was low and topped it up - after a run out that eve checked it again the next morning and it was just about empty again. There were 2 small ( 3" across ) blue puddles on the floor either end of the front grille ( ish ) so I suspect the start of a leaking rad ? ? ? ? The car runs great and doesn't overheat at all. Could it be anything else before I get out the spanners ???

Snorky
P.S. I still LOVE it even though it might be knackered already

[simpo one]

Sounds like what happened to me (Griff) last year. Time to get it re-cored - you will find plenty of info about this subject in the PH archives.

It's a common problem so best to get it out of the way early!

[gazzab]

Dont be tempted to drive it with litle water, you will soon overheat and stuff the engine.

[snorky]

That was the strange bit - there's no steam and no overheating at all it gets up to about 90F when pressing on then the fans cut in and it goes back down again and the fans go off again ? ??

[simpo one]

Normal enough - perhaps the coolant hasn't got low enough to have any adverse effect yet.

Thought - check all the hoses and clips for leaks/splits/perishes etc, and also make sure the expansion tank cap is tight as it can get of there too.

[snorky]

OK willdo -am going to have a real close look tonight with a torch and dry off any existing "wetness" to see if I can locate the source of the leak. Thanks for the input chaps....

[sidpinup]

I had a similar leak in my Tamora. It was just a clip on one of the hoses leading to the expansion tank. 2 mins to fix so you may want to check them first.

Ed

[nobbie]

Would you believe it! Just noticed water on the floor of the garage - wet patch on rad (front near side). Therefore leaking rad! With Mania fast approaching I'm in a dilemma. Do I go in the eurobox (better than not going at all) or do I attempt radweld! Has anybody used it on their Tiv and is it recommended? If it was my escort I wouldn't worry too much but I don't want to knacker my engine.

Carl

[simpo one]

nobbie said:

Would you believe it! Just noticed water on the floor of the garage - wet patch on rad (front near side). Therefore leaking rad! With Mania fast approaching I'm in a dilemma. Do I go in the eurobox (better than not going at all) or do I attempt radweld! Has anybody used it on their Tiv and is it recommended? If it was my escort I wouldn't worry too much but I don't want to knacker my engine. Carl

If there's no time to get it seen to before Mania you can minimise or maybe stop the leak with Barrs Seal - it seemed to get better reports that Radweld when I had the same problem. Then keep a close eye on it and carry some water/coolant with you until you can get it repaired properly.

[kstead]

Phone a rad specialist, find one in the yell pages. Yesterday I thought bugger another week off the road waiting for parts, within half hour had a quote of "30 squid to test and repair if it dont need a recore mate." Two hours later back on the road. Got to be worth a go.

>> Edited by kstead on Wednesday 6th August 23:04

[snorky]

does blue water on floor = leaking rad definitely ? I've looked and looked and cannot find any obvious leaks. If the blue cap was venting where does the water tend to go ? ? ? I don't mind putting in a new rad but don't want to fit one then find water on the floor the next morning

>> Edited by snorky on Thursday 7th August 08:09

[simpo one]

snorky said:

does blue water on floor = leaking rad definitely ? I've looked and looked and cannot find any obvious leaks. If the blue cap was venting where does the water tend to go ? ? ? I don't mind putting in a new rad but don't want to fit one then find water on the floor the next morning >> Edited by snorky on Thursday 7th August 08:09

No it doesn't. If the blue cap is leaking you'll see tell-tale splatters over the inside of the engine compartment where the slipstream has blown it. Rather than go to a rad place and ask for a recore, why not say 'please find where it's leaking from and fix as necessary'? Maybe they can check while you waut.

[Ballistic Banana]

might becoming from the Bleed screw Top of Rad Left hand side as u look at the car from the front.
Put some PTF tape around the Threaded bit of the Bolt/Screw.

Of course not forgetting you'll have to go through the Bleeding Process as might be air in the system once you have taken this screw out, and some coolant may of been lost.


BB

>> Edited by Ballistic Banana (moderator) on Thursday 7th August 17:26

[nobbie]

Mine was indeed a leaking rad. Phoned local rad specialist (Sheldrake and Wells, Ipswich). Quote "if you can get it to us by lunchtime you can have it recored by 4pm"!! Top blokes! Needless to say they had my rad and I picked it up first thing this morning. Its fitted and I took the griff out for a 'quick' test run to make sure everything was ok. 70 miles later and it's fine. Mania here I come

Thanks for previous advice!

Carl

[nobbie]

Mine was indeed a leaking rad. Phoned local rad specialist (Sheldrake and Wells, Ipswich). Quote "if you can get it to us by lunchtime you can have it recored by 4pm"!! Top blokes! Needless to say they had my rad and I picked it up first thing this morning. Its fitted and I took the griff out for a 'quick' test run to make sure everything was ok. 70 miles later and it's fine. Mania here I come

Thanks for previous advice!

Carl