Engine Coolant level

[GR7]

Has anyone ever had any problems with their coolant? (or whatever it is called) Mine was quite low a couple of weeks ago and I had two gaskets replaced. After driving about eighty miles the following week, I checked it after the car had been sitting for two days and the level had dropped to about half an inch above the lowest level. Where did the rest go?

Has anyone ever had any problems in this dept?

I tried doing a search but this facility rarely ever works for me and just got timed out!

 

[BRUN]

firstly get it topped up

what gaskets were replaced ?

 

[Rich-D]

Loss of coolant is either a leak in the system somwhere (check pipes & for drips under car), or the radiator is gone/going, and if it aint either of them then the head gasket is the only other thing it could be...

However, in your case it might just be that the level has now dropped to replace air that was in the system after the gaskets were replaced (what were these?!), so Id top it up now and keep an eye on the level to see if it stays or drops!

 

[Daz]

My level rises, drops etc.. loads.

Weight said it was normal.. due to engine heat etc..

 

[GR7]

Quote: Originally posted by Rich-D on 18 April 2004


Loss of coolant is either a leak in the system somwhere (check pipes & for drips under car), or the radiator is gone/going, and if it aint either of them then the head gasket is the only other thing it could be...

However, in your case it might just be that the level has now dropped to replace air that was in the system after the gaskets were replaced (what were these?!), so Id top it up now and keep an eye on the level to see if it stays or drops!





Ill try to find out what these gaskets were that were replaced.

 

[CraigM]

You should be able to see where the coolant has leaked as when it dries it leaves white marks.

On my car (only a 1.4 not a 2.0) my coolant was leaking from a porous thermostat housing - took 4 visits to the dealer to find/fix it.

 

[GR7]

Quote: Originally posted by BRUN on 18 April 2004

Firstly get it topped up
what gaskets were replaced ?



I think they were at the side of the cylinder head or somewhere in that area

 

[JAY172]

just the gaskets or the thermostat housing as well. Never known just the gasket to leak but ive had the thermostat housings becoming distorted before and causing a leak.

 

[GR7]

Just the two gaskets were changed and I think they were at the side of the cylinder head (?). I will check the level again when I go out this afternoon.

Does the level vary depending on whether the car has been driven or left standing for a day or two please Jay?

 

[iPap]

Yes it does...

If its hot it will expand!

 

[GR7]

Quote: Originally posted by NickyB on 19 April 2004


Yes it does...

If its hot it will expand!





About how many inches does it expand?

 

[iPap]

Up to 1 or 2...

If the lid is leaking it will rise up futher. Like when you open loosen it off when it is hot. *** Never do this, I got put in hospital loosening the bottle years back***

 

[GR7]

Just been out and driven about four miles and checked the level when I got home and it is just above the maximum level now. So does that mean that it is OK now, or would it have taken longer than from Saturday until now for the level to drop?

I dont like to bother the garage if I can get the answers here!

Thanks guys!

 

[JAY172]

Your level will change compared to when the engine is hot or cold. I would keep an eye on it and if the level doesnt drop a lot and stay low then its ok. The level will change with engine temp so you could have a look at the level in the morning when the engine is cold. If after youve checked it when cold a few times and the level doesnt appear to drop then its ok.

 

[BenR]

Dont worry about it GR, its totally normal.

So long as the level is above min when cold its fine.

 

[GR7]

Thanks Jay Ill check it in the morning.

PS: Your typing is much easier on the eye today!!

 

[JAY172]

Sorted, looks massive on my screen though but at least it looks normal to you now.