Loss of coolant from overflow tank

Pops_20

Hoping someone can help with this small issue on my 1995 Nissan 180sx with SR20DET engine.

I seem to be losing coolant very slowly from the point on the overflow tank that connects to the hose from radiator. It is a very gradual leak, but its enough that I need to top up the reservoir every couple of weeks.

You will see in the photos below where the coolant is leaking from. I had this issue about 6 months ago and managed to resolve it by putting a jubilee clamp on the hose, along with the factory spring clamp.

However now that the issue has returned, I'm not sure exactly how it could still be leaking with the two clamps on there.

The coolant reservoir is a brand new genuine Nissan unit purchased 6 months ago. You will see the slight leak at the base of the hose in the first photo.













http://i.imgur.com/z7tkDlp.jpg

b318isp

Maybe the hose is cracked or perished?

Pops_20

b318isp wrote: »

Maybe the hose is cracked or perished?

Thanks, I will check that. I assume it would only be at the base where it has cracked? I thought that the clamp would hold it together but I could take it off to check.

kadman

Zooming in on the hose jubilee clip area, there looks like some damage to the hose
from the clip , looks like a perished hose alright,

b318isp

Pops_20 wrote: »

Thanks, I will check that. I assume it would only be at the base where it has cracked? I thought that the clamp would hold it together but I could take it off to check.

Often jubilee clips are overtightened, which causes the hoses to be crushed - leading to cracking and leaking.

Old hoses can soften and hence distort, causing them to be weaker.

I'd suggest loosening the clips and sliding them up the hose. Don't remove the hose though. This should allow an inspection of the hose end.

Any sign of bulging or cracking would indicate the problem.

Pops_20

Thanks all for the advice.

I can't see any damage around the clips in the photos, but I will take a closer look.

Would you advise against removing the hose, could that make it worse? There is plenty length of hose between the radiator and overflow tank, so I could remove it and cut off the damaged end and refit it.

biko

Yes, remove hose, inspect it and the tank and then possibly cut a bit off.

b318isp

Just be aware that when you remove the hose, the coolant will drain out of the tank. Remove the coolant to below the level of the hose first.

Keep the coolant away from paintwork.

biko

and recycle it responsibly

Pops_20

b318isp wrote: »

Just be aware that when you remove the hose, the coolant will drain out of the tank. Remove the coolant to below the level of the hose first.

Keep the coolant away from paintwork.

Ok I understand. Will the hose from radiator be full of coolant as well?

biko wrote: »

and recycle it responsibly

Always

b318isp

Probably. It may drain with the expansion tank though. Once removed, keep it pointing upwards while trimming it; don't let it fall down and drain fully (unless you are replacing it).

If you can keep the removed coolant clean, you can use it again. Don't put it down the drain, it's environmentally hazardous. I collect mine and bring to local waste recycling centres.

Pops_20

I removed the hose from the reservoir after draining most of the coolant using a suction pump.

I inspected the hose and the reservoir, and both seemed fine. There were no cracks or deterioration in the hose, but it had become a bit expanded from being fitted to the reservoir. I cut off the last inch of the hose and re-fitted it. Went for a test drive to get the car up to temperature and let it cool for a few hours... No leaks so far!

http://i.imgur.com/wkGdVdv.jpg

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think the hose has just gotten a bit swollen from being fitted to the reservoir and lost its elasticity.
Hope this has resolved it.