Water consumption

[Don1]

I've done a search, but not found much of an answer. My Sag seems to use most of the contents of the expansion tank inside 500 miles or so - is this normal usage, or is there something more serious afoot?

Cheers
D

[kevin63]

My engine is a SP6 but not one of the late ones, it never uses water but when I had the Chimaera that did, but it always went down to the same level and no more, could yours be the same and be finding it's own level, if not it could be the rad or a pipe that has a small leak, also see if the oil has any water in it (milky) if so that is not good news.

[Spluffy]

I'm not sure if the expansion tank is exactley the same as my Tuscan, but I thought you should only see 10mm of water in the bottom of the tank when the correct amount of water is present.

[Don1]

I can't find any leaks, and the oil is fine. Maybe it should be the lower 10mm. The TVR manual says "...there should be approx. 10mm of fluid visible within the filler neck."

I always assumed the 'neck' meant at the top, rather than at the bottom...

[VARLEYHYD]

Sagaris coolant:
Two thirds level in the header tank with the blue cap
50:50 mix Blue grade universal antifreeze 12litres capacity.

Level will only go down if leak present
Check rad hose connections for tightness

G

[Don1]

Cheers Graham. I'll keep an eye on it over the next few weeks (when it's not -5 on average, that is!).

[KillerJim]

Hi,

I lose about the expansion tank every 1000 miles, but apart from checking all the hoses I`m not sure what else can be done (my local servicer said most 6 speeds will lose water over oil and radiators usually develop pin holes first..)

James

[TVR_owner]

Water "usage" with the later S6s is usually folk over filling.

Correctly filled with hoses and rad intact, should use close to none.

[Buffoon]

My S6 Cerb was a nightmare. Was getting condensation and milkiness on dipstick, which after untold anguish ended up having a new block. Hairline crack behind liner.

7000 miles later I have not topped up the fluid once, so the answer is unless there is a leak it should not use water.

[andyoleary]

TVR_owner said:

Water "usage" with the later S6s is usually folk over filling.

Correctly filled with hoses and rad intact, should use close to none.

ditto that

Andy

[Whitey]

double ditto

Infact, I must check my water level, I almost never check it these days!

[jvr]

Possible head gasket,water leaking through a chamber,doesn't show anywhere not even steam out of exhaust.Compression testing the water will not show it either i'm afraid so keep an eye on it but it could get worse.The only way to tell is to have head off to inspect.
P

[grumbledoak]

TVR_owner said:

Water "usage" with the later S6s is usually folk over filling.

Correctly filled with hoses and rad intact, should use close to none.

^^^ Wot he said. TVR owner 'paranoia'. Well, they always go wrong, don't they?

Yes, check the water level if the car is new to you, but repeatedly opening and closing the 'sealed' coolant system is not that wise. Eventually, you'll leave the cap off, and cause what you hope to avoid...

You should be able to tell from the behaviour on the dials and the action of the fans. If she isn't behaving properly, then somewhere there is a leak.

[philmcw]

hope I'm not the harbringer of doom - but my water loss from my tuscan (not visible from any hose) was cylinder head gasket related

[UpTheIron]

philmcw said:

hope I'm not the harbringer of doom - but my water loss from my tuscan (not visible from any hose) was cylinder head gasket related

I've had 3 TVR's. The first NEVER lost water. The second did, and it was HG time. My Tuscan didn't use a drop for 25k, now it is drinking like Ollie Reed. I'm fearing the worst.

[KillerJim]

UpTheIron said:

I'm fearing the worst.

unless there water in the oil - surely its a new radiator / hose?

[TVR_owner]

KillerJim said:

UpTheIron said:

I'm fearing the worst.

unless there water in the oil - surely its a new radiator / hose?

Water in the oil is not present when the H/G breach is between the cylinder and the water jacket - unless the S6 is different in this regard also.

[KillerJim]

ahh.. good point, still learning about engines and stuff so all this info is great