Whats at the front of the windscreen?

[Phil_Edge]

What's at the back of the engine bay, just under the windscreen, on the far left hand side as you look from in the driving seat?

After a long run, I noticed what looked like a whisp of smoke. Stopped to examine further (very quickly!) to find I needed to get under the "wing" to see anything obvious. From what I could find out:

1. It's water (or water based)
2. It falls onto something very hot
3. Steam pops up momentarily, not "smoke"
4. There is only a drop or two

Any thoughts?!

She been parked away pending some investigation, which I wont get to do for a little while because I'm away with work, so wanted to get a question out sooner rather than later.

I'm hoping it wiper water and a perished hose, or something along those lines...?

Look forward to finding out though! And hopfully it's nothing too scary!

P

p.s. All running absolutely on the spot - temp and pressure wise...

[BLUETHUNDER]

That will be the header tank thats split.Or you havent tightened the cap properly.Or it could be the hose under the tank thats split.Waters coming down and dripping on to the manifold.

[BLUETHUNDER]

I had exactly the same.And found a split hose from the header tank,that sits underneath.Shine a torch in.You should see a puddle of water sitting on the bulkhead under the header tank.

[Phil_Edge]

Phew. Good news then.

I did check the cap at the time, that seemed fine, so presumably the winter has taken a toll on some of the tubing...

DIY job?

Or "whip it in"?

Just out of interest...

[TT Tim]

Err, that'll be the radiator header tank.

The fact that you didn't know what was there is a little worrying. Does this mean you never check that resevoir is upto level?

Tim

[Phil_Edge]

Level's fine, don't need to pull the wing off to see that What's leaking is tucked away underneath, so needs a little more investigation than checking levels...

[BLUETHUNDER]

Phil_Edge said:

Level's fine, don't need to pull the wing off to see that What's leaking is tucked away underneath, so needs a little more investigation than checking levels...

It does'nt need to be dripping loads.Just weeping can cause what you have.Can you see water laying on the bulk head underneath the header tank?.

[Byker28i]

In optimistic mode: This time of year - was your car outside overnight? Could it be the ice/condensation?

[morebeanz]

Byker28i said:

In optimistic mode: This time of year - was your car outside overnight? Could it be the ice/condensation?

I occassionally get a wisp of steam from a small amount of rainwater or the like getting under the bonnet. The speed with which the engine heats up means that it steams off rather than gently evaporating. Scared the hell out of me the first time...

[Phil_Edge]

Byker28i said:

In optimistic mode: This time of year - was your car outside overnight? Could it be the ice/condensation?

Been away with work, but:

1. She lives in a warm blanket, in an underground carpark, so is not subjected to the minus temperatures as a rule.

2. Am away with work, so not been able to look into this at all yet. Hope to do so maybe Sunday.

Thanks again for the advice/help, will report back as soon as I can get to look.

[Phil_Edge]

Bit of a random one, but thought I'd close it out properly with a conclusion...

Managed to wrap a few things into a service with Austec, including the random water leak.

The whole system was pressure tested, and everything was fine - including the condition of the pipes - didn't even consider replacing them. The issue was some minor weeping at the joins. Taking apart, cleaning, and reassembly has fix everything. Stroke of luck...!

Top work by Austec, who I might also add have provided me with a handbrake which virtually works! Wonders will never cease!

[Keithyboy]

- lucky boy Phil. You coming to Goodwood Sunday a.m.?

Edited by Keithyboy on Tuesday 1st April 00:59