Is my clio taking too much antifreeze?

[Clio 1.5 dci]

I topped up about 3 months ago or so with some antifreeze, and looking under the bonnet again, it was just at the minimum level. I added a bit more.

I remember 3 months ago when i topped it up it was also low, around middway.

Is it normal to top it up so often? What sort of symptoms would i expect with this kind of problem?

 

[bashracing]

shouldn't use coolant, water pump? hoses? any signs of leaks?

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

No leaks from what i can see. Unless its leaking somewhere on something else which is trickling off. If its a leak it must be a extremely small one to go through about a litre in 2 months or so.

 

[bashracing]

if it ain't leaking its using it, head gasket?

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

I hope it's using it. But I've never come across a car which uses that much over couple of months. Perhaps due to change in colder weather?

Bought the car 6 months ago. Not aware of any HG problem/changess

 

[Stoatinacoat]

Mine did this and it turned out to be a small radiator leak which was very difficult to see until it got worse as then the coolant could be seen dripping off the bottom of the bumper after ragging it. Now it's doing it again to a much lesser extent because the thermostat gasket is dying and it's leaking slightly from the housing. Much easier to spot and, fortunately, much easier to repair.

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

So I guess I need to wait for it to get worse. At the moment it's impossible to see. With such a small amount it could well evaporate due to engine heat.

 

[Stoatinacoat]

Could pop the bumper off and have a look at the rad easily enough. Mine went on the N/S bottom corner which is apparently quite common for whatever reason and easy to see once it's exposed.

Have a look for a build up of shite on the thermostat housing and any leaks on the stat to rad pipe while the bumper is off.

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Thanks, will do.

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

I think I may have found something related to this. Take a look at the image.

It looks like there might be a leak there leaving the residue of the solution (seeing as it's the same colour). Is this plausible?

 

[Stoatinacoat]

I would say so. Looks like a leaking radiator to me anyway.

 

[MarcB]

New radiator needed

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Should I try K-seal first before investigating this further? Is there any other similar K-seal product you recommend?

 

[BoatNonce]

Don't put crap in your coolant system. It gums up more than just your radiator.

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

What if it's just a tiny amount? If the radiator needs replacing, how much would the job cost? (I'm guessing this cannot be repaired)

 

[Jonff]

A leaky radiator could be the least of your worries if you stick that crap in there. Gummed up water ways etc.

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Fair enough, so I need to get the whole radiator replaced then? Problem is that if I pick up a second hand on, I can't be sure that it doesn't have the same problem until I've fitted it. Unless I pick up a brand new one, of course.

 

[GrahamS]

That's an 80 bhp model isn't it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clio-1-5-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35e186fafa

Very easy to change yourself in less than an hour.

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Thanks for that.
Do the MK2 DCIs share a universal radiator?

 

[GrahamS]

No. The 65 with ac has an all in one radiator. check it has the brackets to slot the intercooler in to.

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Is there a part number I can match up with mine and the linked one above to ensure it fits?

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Also found this for similar price, seems like its a correct fit:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-C...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2ebac37796

 

[RenMatt]

The first ebay add you refer to looks to be the correct radiator for a 80 bh dci the later one doesn't look correct for a 80 & looks like a universal 1.5dci 65 or 1.2 petrol radiator

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Are these easy to replace? What's the safest way to re-circulate the coolant once the radiator is on?

 

[Clio 1.5 dci]

Update: Radiator has been replaced, but the car is still loosing fluid. Could there be a leak in one of the pipes? It looks like this is going to turn into an exploration job!