Corsa losing coolant - head gasket?

Corsa losing coolant - head gasket?

Author
Discussion

catso

Original Poster:

14,771 posts

266 months

Monday 11th May 2015
quotequote all
Recently bought a 2005 Corsa 1.2 for my Son, chose this one because it appeared to be in good condition and everything works etc and fairly low (58k) mileage.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that the coolant header tank wasn't up to the 'cold' mark so I topped it up, checked again today and it needed 1/2 litre to fill it, hasn't done many miles since as Son's away at Uni. I can't see any leaks, all the hoses look good, no wet patches inside from heater etc. so I'm suspecting the worst case scenario of the head gasket, possibly confirmed by a 'creamy' looking gunge in under the oil filler cap.

Engine runs smoothly, no visible steam/smoke so would appreciate any pointers on how to definitively diagnose or if there's another likely cause? (water pump etc.) and also roughly how much am I looking at for the repair, presume parts are cheap but lots of labour? How difficult as a DIY - I do have reasonable mechanical abilities (rebuild motorbike engines etc.) but little experience with this type of engine.

Thanks in anticipation. thumbup

cold thursday

341 posts

127 months

Monday 11th May 2015
quotequote all
I had exactly the same on an 02 Corsa.
Turned out to be the water pump gasket.

catso

Original Poster:

14,771 posts

266 months

Monday 11th May 2015
quotequote all
That sounds preferable to head gasket, any idea how I would diagnose?

whitewolf

751 posts

165 months

Saturday 30th May 2015
quotequote all
Check your hose clips on all pipes, 2 of mine failed after 8 years, they go weak and when the pipes under pressure it lost coolant.


They were standard spring clips, not jubilee ones.

SmithyAG

300 posts

127 months

Saturday 30th May 2015
quotequote all
Colleague at work had the same symptoms.

He wasn't willing to put throw any money at it so chucked a bottle of K Seal in it and it stopped the coolant loss for the next year he had the car.

Depending what it is worth to you/how much you are willing to spend on it you could try it.


catso

Original Poster:

14,771 posts

266 months

Tuesday 7th July 2015
quotequote all
SmithyAG said:
He wasn't willing to put throw any money at it so chucked a bottle of K Seal in it and it stopped the coolant loss for the next year he had the car.
Bit late returning to the thread but did this and it's been fine since, no water loss and no more mayo under the oil cap.

Think it is the water pump/gasket but £7 for a bottle of K-seal was a much simpler solution. thumbup