What is "normal" coolent loss ?

[s5tvr]

I seem to be losing some coolent each time I take the car out, without there being any obvious signs of a leek. Typically, I'm putting in a pint of water/anti-freeze mixture every 6 to 8 weeks and I drive the car on average a couple of times a week. Is this loss "normal" or do you think it indicates a minor leek somewhere ?

[jimbro1000]

That does seem to be a bit much - i noticed much the same on mine and it turned out to be the radiator. Before that it was a couple of bad joins and before that it was the swan neck being sliced in half by the ancialiary belt pulley when the engine mount snapped.

The tell tale sign in all cases was the windscreen needing constant cleaning (on the inside) as it kept getting covered in grease and grime (mostly antifreeze)

I'm really hoping that I have no further leaks in the system now (getting a bit tired of it all)

[MajorClanger]

s5tvr said:

I seem to be losing some coolent each time I take the car out, without there being any obvious signs of a leek. Typically, I'm putting in a pint of water/anti-freeze mixture every 6 to 8 weeks and I drive the car on average a couple of times a week. Is this loss "normal" or do you think it indicates a minor leek somewhere ?

I think you've got a leak somewhere. I get virtually no losses between services.

Steve Heath sells a device to pressurise the cooling system whilst cool to check for leaks?

Warming up on a cool day, like these we've been having recently, presume you can't see any water vapour? Any emulsion in oil? Either way, you'll want to get it checked out.

MC

[WWESTY]

Check the "shelf" underneath the radiator. You may find that there's some dampness (!) there, while you're not actually getting a puddle under the car.

[DustyC]

None.
If I fill mine it will always drop to around half way after use and then will remain at that level for good.

[jeff miles]

When I first got the car (and had tracked down and fixed various losses of body fluids) I topped up the tank to the 'recommended' level. All it did was blow out the surplus and settle at a level about 1/3 up from the bottom - where it has stayed for the last eighteen months. Runs absolutely to temperature and no over-heating probs. I think each system has its natural level - provide the cap is in good order and the system tight.

Jeff

[Nuggs]

jeff miles said:

I think each system has its natural level - provide the cap is in good order and the system tight.

In my experience this is correct, if it's just your system blowing out the excess and settling at a regular level, then there should be no cause for alarm.

However, it sounds like s5tvr's system is doing more than just 'finding its natural level', and that there's a slow leak somewhere...

s5tvr, the advice about using Steve Heath's pressuriser is good, and should show up any leaks quickly and safely.

It may also be a good idea to have a good crawl over the cooling system and give each of the jubilee clips a good tighten. In addition, I had a minor leak caused by a perished fabric O-ring on the top offside of the radiator, which cost about 2 pence to replace.

It's a good excuse to have a really good look over the cooling system and get everything nice and tight and in tip top condition for the summer

[jeff miles]

Agreed - and don't forget the heater connections - jubilees - in the passenger well!

[s5tvr]

Many thanks for all of useful posts - it's confirmed what I had thought. I just have to find the leek now !!

[shpub]

s5tvr said:

I seem to be losing some coolent each time I take the car out, without there being any obvious signs of a leek. Typically, I'm putting in a pint of water/anti-freeze mixture every 6 to 8 weeks and I drive the car on average a couple of times a week. Is this loss "normal" or do you think it indicates a minor leek somewhere ?

Tis a leak. I was loosing about the same and couldn't find out where - which is where the CoolTester came in. Didn't want to pay the £160+ for a standrad pressure tester. Found four leaks when I used it. A bad clip that wasn't tight and three leaks/weeps in the rad which only showed up under pressure. Fortunately I could solder the rad where it was leaking and tighten/replace the clip. End result is no loss at all.

Steve