How often do you need to top the water on T350

[scottwade]

All,

a quick and simple qs for any T350 owners and those in the know, I am looking at an 04 T350 on Saturday with every intention to buy, the owner has mentioned that I should keep an eye on the water level and top up every couple of weeks. He said the general service book also suggests this, I have no problem with this but would like to check the following:-

1) Does anyone else need to top up this regular, or could this be a sign of something else.

2) Does the service book really suggest this as I have not seen it yet

cheers and thanks in advance

[hollowlegs]

iv just bought one and when iv been out on a run after turning off the car can sometimes here the noise of air escaping from under the blue cap, will have a look tonight to see if its low or not. im unsure if its supposed to let air out. anyone?

[guymarks]

I have only needed to top up the water in my car three times in over a year (although I do recommend checking it regularly). It's a closed system so should not loose water unless it's getting very hot and letting water/steam escape through the cap.

I can't understand why you would have to top it up every couple of weeks? Where is it going?

[Lensey]

I normally need to top the expansion tank up when I've been on a drive, I think I may have some sort leak when the engine is warm?

[grumbledoak]

While the Speed6 can burn oil (some do, some don't) no engine should lose coolant - it is supposed to be a seperate, sealed system. Granted, if you overfill it you can expect it to spit some out the first time it gets hot, but otherwise the level should not change - if it does there is a leak somewhere that needs fixing.

But yes, the owners handbook does say to keep an eye on both oil and water levels. And no, my car does not seem to use either.

A basic test you can do yourself is to leave the car stationary after the test drive, and check the temperature that the fans come on, and then the temp that they go off. Provided both happen at a sensible temp (about 96 and 92 IIRC) the system is basically working.

If you are concerned that the owner is hiding a known leak you should take a pressure tester, take a look at the oil filler car, or take a "very, very nice man" to check it out properly.

If you are concerned, get a pro to look at it. As with any second hand car, a couple of notes for a professional once-over could save you a packet in the long run. Have fun

[targarama]

hollowlegs said:

iv just bought one and when iv been out on a run after turning off the car can sometimes here the noise of air escaping from under the blue cap, will have a look tonight to see if its low or not. im unsure if its supposed to let air out. anyone?

They all do that sir.

I check mine regularly but it only needs topping up a smidgette every few months. It then spits a bit out until its happy with the level. No big deal, don't worry about it.

[widjit]

Search the threads I think you will find this is quite common.

Mine has done this for 3 years and has just been presure tested to see if it may have been head gasket failure - but it's fine.

It must be comming out under high pressure from somewhere but finding where?

Minor chore to live with.

[rebelstar]

The cars do seem to find their own water level. The handbook suggests that it should be an inch lower than the neck where you fill it up. In my experience, it's about 3-4 inches. If yours is consitently around that level (and presumably no lower) then I wouldn't worry about it. But keep checking - if it ever goes lower than the usual level you need to get it looked at by an expert.

[scottwade]

The guy I am buying from has indicated he tops up the water every two weeks or so. Someone earlier mentioned the system finding it's own level maybe he is topping it up (over filling)and each time the pressure releases bringing it to "its own level" and if left it will not go any lower. I will be able to get a better look on Saturday I guess. Thanks for the comments