Engine Coolant
Discussion
The engine coolant level on my 1997 R Renault Clio 1.2 RL Paris has dropped down from maximum to minimum in the space of three months. I use my heater a lot, could this be causing the drop in coolant? I have checked the hoses etc. for leaks and everything looks fine. Even rev the engine to check for leaks but nothing.
I need to top my coolant up. What should I put in?
I need to top my coolant up. What should I put in?
To top up the normal would be half and half antifreeze and water but I don't know if Renault specify any special coolant. Check your handbook.
With regard to the fluid loss I would leave it alone but monitor it. At the current rate I doubt you will find any evidence even if it is external. If you are still worried or it gets worse then treat it with 'Barrs Leaks'.
Steve
With regard to the fluid loss I would leave it alone but monitor it. At the current rate I doubt you will find any evidence even if it is external. If you are still worried or it gets worse then treat it with 'Barrs Leaks'.
Steve
Dont use barrs leaks though. itll just clog up the coolant passages and bad things will happen as a result. And coolant doesnt just disappear. its leaking somewhere, just figure out where. Maybe the heater matrix? any smell of antifreeze within the car / residue on inside of windscreen?
What colour is the coolant- dirty brown signifys internal corrosion (Renaults are very bad for this). That could mean the cylinder head will need to come off for a skim and new gasket.
Don't worry though- in summer time there is often coolant loss due to evapouration. Look for signs of crystalisation at hose joints etc. It is unlikely to be the heater matrix- they seem to be very reliable in Renaults.
Just ensurethe coolant is clean and change it regularly. Blue antifreeze is 2 years, green is 3 and pink is 5 year coolant. Then there is OAT...
Coolant seems to be very much taken for granted and many people and garages really don't appreciate how important a role it performs.
As noted, it could be the pressure cap- just check that the hoses slightly pressurise when the engine gets hot.
Don't worry though- in summer time there is often coolant loss due to evapouration. Look for signs of crystalisation at hose joints etc. It is unlikely to be the heater matrix- they seem to be very reliable in Renaults.
Just ensurethe coolant is clean and change it regularly. Blue antifreeze is 2 years, green is 3 and pink is 5 year coolant. Then there is OAT...
Coolant seems to be very much taken for granted and many people and garages really don't appreciate how important a role it performs.
As noted, it could be the pressure cap- just check that the hoses slightly pressurise when the engine gets hot.
The coolant was changed last November and it looks pretty clean, it is blue and there are no signs of brown deposits. Since making the original post, the level hasn't changed. Checked the engine for leaks but I can find nothing. I have got a new pressure cap for the expansion tank and the coolant level has been same for a while now.
Hopefully this is the end of the problem.....touch wood!!
Hopefully this is the end of the problem.....touch wood!!
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