Coolant loss

[LeeBrads]

hi all, ive got a 1997 3.2 m3 just driving home from work stopped in traffic and noticed a bit of steam coming from bonnet. Pulled over and there was a bit of steam coming from the coolant lid top, shook the coolant bottle and could see the coolant level was now low. Drove it slowly to a garage and topped it back up with 4.5litres of water. Set off again in traffic and got no steam, when i got home left it running and no steam again and coolant level was to the top still from were i topped it up. Also when i was in traffic and the steam and water loss, the temp guage didn't rise at all and the fan was still kicking in.

Any ideas is it a course for concern?

[ian in lancs]

Yup! Get it pressure tested at a garage. Its either a leak in the system or the cap was on loose.

Replacement engines are north of £10K

Also as you've topped up with water check the anti-freeze concentration as its also a corrosion inhibitor.

[belleair302]

Replace the coolant tank and check all of the hoses / clips. The tanks are pretty cheap and you can do this yourself. Then replace the fluids, antifreeze.