Help Coolant leek

[Chalky White]

Spent about two hours in the west end last night in heavy traffic, water temp peaked at about 95 but quickly back down to high 80's when the fans kicked in. Noticed a steady drip drip of coolant from the front offside corner of the splitter. After further investigation it appears to be coming from the rad although there doesn't seem to be a drop in coolant level. Any one know how easy they are to source/repair? Also some idea of cost would be great. Are the rads a TVR only part or sourced from something more mundane?

The DIY route is out I'm afraid as I am a self-confessed mechanical numpty.

[Whitey]

could just be the top O/S radiator hose needs tightened, but might be a proper leak requireing a new radiator. Yours is an 02 model so may or may not have the earlier radiator with alloy fittings, or the later one with plastic fittings, if DIY is not an option I would suggest to get it to your favourite TVR mechanic asap, to save any embaressing overheating(not to mention your engine if it does overheat!)!

cheers
Whitey

[Whitey]

aircon discharge would come from the n/s wing infront of the passenger door.

The other discharge from the front o/s wing could be petrol from the charcol fuel tank overflow canistor, but you would smell that.

[Chalky White]

Looked like water to me, tasted sweet guessing antifreeze? Any way its in the garage now dripping away so I'll have the bonnet off and the rad out tomorrow for a closer look. Its about time I got my hands dirty.

[grimbo]

I had this same problem on mine,it started with a slow drip that i only noticed after i'd parked up for a while.Turned out to be the rad.It had fractured at the bottom on the corner where the rad is bolted on.Apparently it's quite common.I had it fixed under warranty,i think a new rad would have been £300.

[R TOY]

If youre taking the rad out drop it into your local rad repair centre. cost me about £120 last time had one done. Think rad same as R Rover (as on Chim.) Otherwise a can of barrs leak stop can work wonders

[Chalky White]

Right, rad out no obvious sign of leak. Hilarious episode as neighbour insisted he could pressure test with a garden hose and his hand over the other end. Didn't work and so much water everywhere that I couldn't tell what was from the leak. Rad back in Barrs added. No more leak. Water level checked numerous times, all ok. Except the water temp seems to rise much quicker than before and typically is 6-8 degrees hotter than has been usual. Any ideas?

[andyoleary]

Chalky,

I had a very similar thing a couple of weeks ago - dripping from the same place and fumes/vapour from the offside vent when warm and stationary. Turned out to be the aircon condensor and not the rad as I suspected. I did taste the liquid and it was extremely bitter so definitely not coolant - are you sure it was sweet tasting?

Andy

[Chalky White]

andyoleary said:

Chalky,

I had a very similar thing a couple of weeks ago - dripping from the same place and fumes/vapour from the offside vent when warm and stationary. Turned out to be the aircon condensor and not the rad as I suspected. I did taste the liquid and it was extremely bitter so definitely not coolant - are you sure it was sweet tasting?

Andy

Yep, even I can tell the difference between a pint of Old peculiar and an Alchopop

[andyoleary]

ok, fair enough...