Coolant dumps when radiator kicks in

[r1chardson]

Alright boys,

So the clio has been sitting for a good few months, put a new battery in and got on my way.

5 minutes down the road the engine light came on, check under the hood and the coolant is completely empty.

Got it home, filled her back up … no leaks…

So I left it running on idle for a good while, revving every now and then… no leaks … THEN THE FAN KICKS IN and the whole bottle drains in 5 seconds flat.

I’m so confused, no smoke, no steam, no milky oil??

Any ideas I’m clutching at straws. As you can tell I’m no mechanic but have a decent understanding of things. Is this just a radiator replacement?

Help appreciated, thanks.

 

[Martin_172]

thats the thermostat opened and all the coolant has then went down into the air filled radiator. you will need to top it up again.

obviously you will need to find out where the coolant went originally for it to be empty! assume a radiator or hose leak etc

 

[R3k1355]

Check the oil isn't milkshake as well.

You've ran the engine with what sounds like f**k all coolant in, twice.

 

[Mr Trailer Man]

If it's been sat around for a while, chances are the bottom of the rad has probably rotted away (especially if it's the orginal).

Should be able to see signs of coolant leaks by the crusty trace it leaves behind.

Once it's sorted you'll need to fill the coolant tank right up and then open the bleed screw on the right hand side of the thermostat housing (10mm bolt) until a steady stream of coolant comes out.

Then run it up to temp until the fan kicks in and check the level again.