Coolant leak?

[NX-STEP]

I changed the thermostat yesterday and bought the type D everyone on here swears by, when I pulled away from where its been parked all night, there was a pool of type d on the floor, about half the coolant bottle? I run my fingers over all the ends of the coolant pipe work and no wetness or moisture to suggest its coming out the end of the pipes? and I put red gasket on join of two metal parts the thermo sits in? any ideas?

 

[DaveDreads]

Jack the car up and look directly above the puddle, you didn't spill any when you were filling it up did you?

 

[NX-STEP]

Nope didn't spill anything, the puddle was/is on the floor between the gearbox and coolant bottle, which is passenger side? I got a 120 mile round trip tomorrow and worried i'll f**k me motor up?

Thanks for the reply and advice Mr Dreads

 

[DaveDreads]

I take it you've been driving the car today, what's the level like now?

 

[NX-STEP]

After I topped up this morn, I drove it for 30 minutes then when I got back to yard and parked up, I walked away. Tonight about 630ish I had a look at coolant bottle and its back down to halfway between min and max? I didn't check immediately after driving so don't know if it happened under pressure while driving or just been dripping all day. think i'll be up early to take airbox off to take a look. I only got a carjack, would it be okay to use that to just take a look from underneath?

 

[DaveDreads]

As long as it lifts the car up high enough to get under it without it collapsing on you it'll be fine, if you can't find the leak tomorrow morning take some spare coolant with you to top it off before you set off, then again before you head home, as long as the coolant level doesn't drop below minimum you'll be fine to drive it around until you find the leak.

 

[NX-STEP]

You are a diamond Mr Dreads thanks for the advice.

 

[DaveDreads]

The coolant bottles themselves are prone to cracking in their old age so check the fire wall insulation for dampness as it could be trickling down the material and dripping on the floor, which wouldn't be apparent with a visual check, look on the bright side at least it's not an oil leak, they can be a pain in the arse to sort out.

 

[NX-STEP]

I got/had an oil leak since I had the motor, having got round to sorting it out yet and meanwhile this has happened, but yeah the oil leak is another headache and coincidently the coolant seems to be dripping in the same place as the oil leak? That's why I almost took no notice of the puddle but it was only because it had a green/yellow tinge to it that I investigated it and thank f**k I did! thanks for all the advice fella.

 

[DaveDreads]

Anytime mate.