Coolant leak on a Fiesta

[Andy47]

Sorry, this isn’t a particularly interesting post…

My friend has a 2000 Fiesta 1.25 Zetec S that overheated today. It turned out there was almost no coolant in the system and after filling it back up and taking it for a very short drive I soon realised it was pissing the coolant slowly onto the road. The leak appears to be coming from underneath the manifold on the front side of the engine, close to the fanbelt end. I struggled to see the source as it was dark (bloody winter!) and the manifold was obviously in the way. I couldn’t see much from crawling beneath the car either, other than where the coolant was dripping off the sump. I think it could just be a hose that’s split/come loose. After google-ing and doing a few searches on the web I’m non the wiser about other potential sources of the leak. My Ford engine knowledge is non existent, so any of you guys have any ideas or knowledge about such problems with these Zetec engines? Am I correct in thinking the water pump is on the rear side so shouldn’t be a problem?

Oil levels/quality are fine btw in case you were thinking something else!

Thanks in advance.

[Jon GT2]

The water pump is on the left hand side of the engine when looking from the front of the car and sounds like the likely source of your problem.

Edited by Jon GT2 on Tuesday 13th November 09:22

[Andy47]

Jon, thanks a lot. Turns out the pump was the cause of the leak - bit of a bugger to get to it though! Cheers for your reply.

[Jon GT2]

No problem Andy,just make sure you use the correct antifreeze in sufficient quantity as it has the water pump lubricant in it.

[Andy47]

Cheers once again!