Water under the front of the car
Discussion
I reckon my rad is leaking.
There's been water (coolant) under the front of the car on the last couple of mornings and I've had to top up the coolant.
I've been under the car and looked from above but can't see where else it could be coming from.
It'll be a few days at least before I get to do some more ripping.
In the meantime am I likely to have an over-heating car?
I reckon not as the weather is cold and I'll just have to keep a close eye on the coolant (it's only losing about half an eggcup in 150 miles).
But for future reference, does the Cerb have a pressurised cooling system like the Elise and therefore a leak causes a loss in pressure and thus reduces the boiling temperature back to 100*?????
There's been water (coolant) under the front of the car on the last couple of mornings and I've had to top up the coolant.
I've been under the car and looked from above but can't see where else it could be coming from.
It'll be a few days at least before I get to do some more ripping.
In the meantime am I likely to have an over-heating car?
I reckon not as the weather is cold and I'll just have to keep a close eye on the coolant (it's only losing about half an eggcup in 150 miles).
But for future reference, does the Cerb have a pressurised cooling system like the Elise and therefore a leak causes a loss in pressure and thus reduces the boiling temperature back to 100*?????
ireland said:
I reckon my rad is leaking.
There's been water (coolant) under the front of the car on the last couple of mornings and I've had to top up the coolant.
I've been under the car and looked from above but can't see where else it could be coming from.
It'll be a few days at least before I get to do some more ripping.
In the meantime am I likely to have an over-heating car?
I reckon not as the weather is cold and I'll just have to keep a close eye on the coolant (it's only losing about half an eggcup in 150 miles).
But for future reference, does the Cerb have a pressurised cooling system like the Elise and therefore a leak causes a loss in pressure and thus reduces the boiling temperature back to 100*?????
There's been water (coolant) under the front of the car on the last couple of mornings and I've had to top up the coolant.
I've been under the car and looked from above but can't see where else it could be coming from.
It'll be a few days at least before I get to do some more ripping.
In the meantime am I likely to have an over-heating car?
I reckon not as the weather is cold and I'll just have to keep a close eye on the coolant (it's only losing about half an eggcup in 150 miles).
But for future reference, does the Cerb have a pressurised cooling system like the Elise and therefore a leak causes a loss in pressure and thus reduces the boiling temperature back to 100*?????
I think all cars have presurrised heating systems. Anyway, if its leaking at the front you need to take the front cover off to see the 'Swan Neck' (Dunno why its called a Swan Neck cos it certainly isn't pretty) chances are it will be one of those pipes/hoses/clips.
ireland said:
The water is dripping off the bottom of the panel under the rad.
I do reckon I'll have a bit of searching to do.
I do reckon I'll have a bit of searching to do.
3 things to check then, check with the engine hot and running (all these will drip onto the bottom tray)
1. Bottom Rad Hose drivers side - you might just be able to see it from underneath, about 8 inches long and runs parallel to the radiator.
2. Top Drain bolt.
3. Passenger side top hose
Sorry to hear about your coolant problems.
I've got a similar one myself - leaking coolant at a new jubilee clip. Cant get it any tighter. Basically corrosion of the steel coolant pipes means that the rubber hose isn't making a complete seal. This is the second time now on different hoses in 6 months. And I can also see a few more really corroded clips (the last one simply came away in two pieces!). So I've taken the plunge for the ACT stainless steel pipes and silicone hose kit. And in red too
Will upgrade to the Ali Rad when mine gives up. Anyway I digress!
I wanted to say that if you have a leak, however small, then yes the coolant may not be circulating and hence boil and p*ss out from wherever it can - normally through the expansion tank if your cap is in good condition as this should contain a pressure releif spring. So keep an eye on your water temp on longer runs.
Bill
I've got a similar one myself - leaking coolant at a new jubilee clip. Cant get it any tighter. Basically corrosion of the steel coolant pipes means that the rubber hose isn't making a complete seal. This is the second time now on different hoses in 6 months. And I can also see a few more really corroded clips (the last one simply came away in two pieces!). So I've taken the plunge for the ACT stainless steel pipes and silicone hose kit. And in red too
Will upgrade to the Ali Rad when mine gives up. Anyway I digress! I wanted to say that if you have a leak, however small, then yes the coolant may not be circulating and hence boil and p*ss out from wherever it can - normally through the expansion tank if your cap is in good condition as this should contain a pressure releif spring. So keep an eye on your water temp on longer runs.
Bill
I think that my rad is going too, but it looks like it is leaking from the top of the rad on the passenger side where it is welded. Just keeping a watchful eye on it at the moment. If I end up getting a new/recon rad I think a new set of hoses & jubilee's too.
Anyone got any thoughts on 'rad weld'/'bars leaks' etc???
Anyone got any thoughts on 'rad weld'/'bars leaks' etc???
Did this with my cerb, Rad ,Stainless pipes and new hoses all at the same time. Pig of a job but the end result is well worth the effort. No more coolant leaks or overheating problems. I've seen ACT selling there stainless pipes and silicone hoses on ebay a little cheaper then their web site.
optimax sniffer said:
I think that my rad is going too, but it looks like it is leaking from the top of the rad on the passenger side where it is welded. Just keeping a watchful eye on it at the moment. If I end up getting a new/recon rad I think a new set of hoses & jubilee's too.
Anyone got any thoughts on 'rad weld'/'bars leaks' etc???
Anyone got any thoughts on 'rad weld'/'bars leaks' etc???
Don't use them! Bite the bullet and send £150 on a Rad and fit it yourself - bit of a fiddly job, but straightforward.
optimax sniffer said:
Anyone got any thoughts on 'rad weld'/'bars leaks' etc???
You may as well add the "add an egg to the water" theory to that list - and then forget the lot.
The rads can be repaired (re-cored) for about €150.00 over here.
I know the guy who does it and his work is top class.
If I need to get that done I'll take pictures and keep you all posted on how it goes.
I've just had my Radiator recored £150 at Gloccester Radiators - Rang them and told them it was a TVR, but the Rad is based on a Range Rover and that I was worried they would just give me a standard Range Rover Rad core, they said "Dont worry, we've done over 100 rads for TVR's in the plast 12 months".
Anyway came back in 2 days, looking brand new, I've driven it 100 miles (had to go and buy some milk) and whereas before my normal Temp was always about 90 (in my pre-Rad leaking days) it is now 10 lower at 80, so that is a significant improvement. So it's Worth considering a new Rad if you have an older Car. (mines a 99)
Anyway came back in 2 days, looking brand new, I've driven it 100 miles (had to go and buy some milk) and whereas before my normal Temp was always about 90 (in my pre-Rad leaking days) it is now 10 lower at 80, so that is a significant improvement. So it's Worth considering a new Rad if you have an older Car. (mines a 99)
Edited by jensena on Thursday 15th February 09:09
Was that all in for £150, ie fitting etc?
I think the Ali Rads from ACT are £350, and that's just to buy one.
I also been considering some discrete mesh mounted just in front of the Rad and as far back from the front nose as I can get. Just to ensure no stones will pierce any holes in the Rad.
Anybody done this?
Any views?
I think the Ali Rads from ACT are £350, and that's just to buy one.
I also been considering some discrete mesh mounted just in front of the Rad and as far back from the front nose as I can get. Just to ensure no stones will pierce any holes in the Rad.
Anybody done this?
Any views?
It was £150 just for the Rad - fited it myself, simple job but a bit fiddly trying to get the bottom hose on.
If you have Air Con the Condenser radiator is in FRONT of the coolant Rad, so mesh in the front gril will protect the Condenser, but not the Radiator. The leak on mine wasnt caused by a stone, just corrosion from 7 years of having water in it.
If you have Air Con the Condenser radiator is in FRONT of the coolant Rad, so mesh in the front gril will protect the Condenser, but not the Radiator. The leak on mine wasnt caused by a stone, just corrosion from 7 years of having water in it.
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