Coolant leaking

stepbar

Folks,

Would appreciate some advice on this one.

My brother needed my car (For info it's a 2004 Volkswagen GOLF V (1K1) 1.4 16V, 75 hp, 1390 cc) this morning as his own car was in the garage. Anyhow, whilst driving the coolant light came on. Fine, he topped up the coolant and away he went. However, the exact same thing happened to me on the 16/05/11 (only know because I paid for the coolant by Credit Card!). Since then I would have done about 3000 miles. The car was serviced in April by Atlas Tyres and nothing bar engine mount wear was mentioned.

I don't think it sounds good, as I don't think coolant shouldn't leak. Is there things I should be looking out for? Could it be a sign of something more serious?

Seth Brundle

You could get it pressure tested to see if there is a leak.
What's the inside of the oil cap like?

Nissan doctor

There are several possible causes of a coolant leak. Those engines use plastic thermostat housings which are prone to leaking.

Your best starting with a cooling system pressure test to show up any external leak.

... and check the level weekly visually when the engine is cold in the interim and going forward, the light coming on isn't an ideal time to top up.

stepbar

kbannon wrote: »

What's the inside of the oil cap like?

Took a look at the oil cap. There was oil on the underside (about 5mm from the outside edge; this continued about half way round). Not sure if this means anything as the oil was consistant with how oil should look and was probably there as a result of spillage.

kbannon wrote: »

You could get it pressure tested to see if there is a leak.

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Your best starting with a cooling system pressure test to show up any external leak.

What does this consist of? And more importantly, will it cost me an arm and a leg?

Nissan doctor wrote: »

There are several possible causes of a coolant leak. Those engines use plastic thermostat housings which are prone to leaking.

I looked around the housing and didn't notice any wet patches, however I will need to check it again as it was dark. Let say it is the housing, I assume same can be replaced without too much hassle?

stepbar

RoverJames wrote: »

... and check the level weekly visually when the engine is cold in the interim and going forward, the light coming on isn't an ideal time to top up.

Thought nothing of it the first time but as it's happened again, I agree I will need to be more vigilant.

However, I'm afraid that this is the start of other problems. A few things need to be fixed before the NCT in Jan
(i.e 1. Faulty bonnet sensor - (window wipers will not work if stationary; water will not work either - goes on and off intermittently (more so recently but has been an issue since the cold weather during Xmas last yr) - when the light goes off no problems occur);
2. Front right bulb (dip) has gone today;
3. Timing belt needs to be done very soon)

corktina

iirc coolant is thinner than water and will find a smaller gap to leak out of, if they re-filled your rad during the seervice,this could be the problem,may only be leaking when under pressure once the engine gets to a certain pressure. Did you try nipping up the radiator and heater hose connections?

Nissan doctor

corktina wrote: »

iirc coolant is thinner than water and will find a smaller gap to leak out of, if they re-filled your rad during the seervice,this could be the problem,may only be leaking when under pressure once the engine gets to a certain pressure. Did you try nipping up the radiator and heater hose connections?

The hose connections on modern cars are usually spring clips so can't be tightened/loosened.

corktina

Nissan doctor wrote: »

The hose connections on modern cars are usually spring clips so can't be tightened/loosened.

ok m thanks

OP try checking the connectiong spring clips havent fallen off or got weak?