307 heat problem

[mr-white]

ive got a 307 1.6 16v 52 reg that ive had for the last 8 months. Within the last 2 months my car has been going through a lot of water. Every 2 weeks it needs filling up if i leave it any longer it will be completely empty. I do about 500-550 in 2 weeks but ive done that in a weekend before and its not affected the water level. so it seems like the water goes down over time not distance, which would lead me to believe its a leak. However this morning i was driving to work and it was getting hotter than normal, usually around 70 and goes up to 90 in traffic and then down again when i get moving. this morning it was hitting about 95 and i could see steam coming off the bonnet, when i got to work and checked the water it was half full and the radiator was steaming.

are these temps normal and what could be causing the water loss and heat increase when theres ample water ?

thanks

[Rs Rosco]

307 Radiators especially on TU5s are a hot fave. they leak around the bottom...

also check the l/h side of the cylinder head near to the altermator to see if there is any coolant loss

Ross

[Rs Rosco]

P.S They normally run at 90 when hot so thats normal....

Ross

[mr-white]

the leaks increased, it became half full from monday to wednesday. i did have a quick look yesterday but the car was wet from the road so it was hard to see any leak. Although i did see a build up of green what i thought was corrosion along the bottom of the rad. will have a better look tomorrow.

[Rs Rosco]

Build up of green indcates its been pissing out mate - very common on these...

cheers
Ross

[Rs Rosco]

I think some were covered on extended warranty too....

ross

[mr-white]

I couldn't see any leak but all the pipes and fittings seem knew apart from the one at the bottom of the rad. tried to force the pipe on a bit more but it didnt move much, gonna replace this and the fitting as a precaution.

could the rad its self be leaking ?

MW

[Rs Rosco]

Hi mr white, aye the radiator itself could be leaking, changed hundreds on 307s..

cheers

Ross

[mr-white]

gonna have to bite the bullet and change the rad, topping it up every 2 days is starting to get annoying lol what sort of cost we talking about to replace one ?

MW

[mr-white]

£98 for the rad 1.5 hours labour = £210

MW

[Rs Rosco]

1.5 hours labour to fit a TU5 radiator, someones taking the piss mate

takes 25 mins if that......

Ross

[mr-white]

they had to find the leak first and that wasn't at a peugeot garage either

is £210 alot then ?

MW

[Rs Rosco]

Well working at a dealer, id say it was cheap however for an independant it seems a tad steep,

Is the problem sorted now then mate?

Ross

[mr-white]

yep all sorted now, thanks for the help

MW

[Rs Rosco]

No bother

Happy(ish) motoring.....(its a 307 )

Ross

[mr-white]

i'm actually considering a change, have been looking at the megane 1.5dci. Its about the same size as the 307, slower but does 60mpg

MW

[DennisTheMenace]

pfft , goes wrong more often , electrics are a huge problem on the megane or migraine as some of the patrols call it .

[mr-white]

doh, whats economical and reliable then ?

MW

[DennisTheMenace]

I would say go for a focus TDCi , they seem to be ok reliability wise infact the mk1 focus was proven to be as reliable as the jap stuff and the handling is sublime , i am currently using a grand scenic 1.5dci 105hp and im impressed and its not played up once unlike the laguna i had, if you are buying a new one it might be worth getting the megane as its has just been facelifted and improved and that 1.5 engine in 105hp guise is very gutsy , but if your buying secondhand avoid like the plague

[mr-white]

was at looking at around 52/53 reg

MW