Fisherman Mike Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Our little clio recently flew through the mot despite being 20 years old . However it appears to be losing water somehow and every week I seem to be topping up the expansion bottle with antifreeze. There is no obvious symptom of HG failure, all the hoses seem sound with no obvious leaks, and theres no apparent leaks internally from the heater matrix. I'm stumped anyone have any clues.? Thanks as always Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Head gasket at worst. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rimotu66 Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Easy option is take it to your local indy and have a pressure test done. Its either losing it or using it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaxiDriver Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Water pump ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88b Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Is the cap on the expansion bottle the original ? At that age it could be a core plug, probably the best bet is to get it pressure tested if it has a leak it should show up. Depending on mileage driven it could be the head gasket . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delburt0 Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 A Coreplug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett1985 Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Possibly a slight leak from the water pump, which is only happening while the system is pressurised and the pump is running. Do you know wether the pump is ran via the auxillary belt or the cam belt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted March 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Cheers so far ....it had a full service only last week before the MOT so I would imagine any problems with the HG or water pump would have shown up. The expansion bottle cap seems to be sound as when you release it you get the depressurizing sound. I think water pump runs off an auxiliary belt. The garage topped up the water bottle with A/F and brought it to my attention but it seems to run as sweet as a nut. Baffling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett1985 Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 A waterpump wouldnt be checked at service tbh, and if it is that thats leaking it would only be noticeable when the system is up to temp and pressurised. I had it before when the main shaft seal on the pump would start dribbling after about 15 minutes. Either way matey, id get it checked at your local garage before it gets worse... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted March 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 A waterpump wouldnt be checked at service tbh, and if it is that thats leaking it would only be noticeable when the system is up to temp and pressurised. I had it before when the main shaft seal on the pump would start dribbling after about 15 minutes. Either way matey, id get it checked at your local garage before it gets worse... Cheers I think I will take up all posters advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rimotu66 Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Whats your location Mike? Maybe there is someone close with a testing kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bear-uk Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Head gasket if no external leaks found. Check how much steam is coming out of the exhaust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Any water in the oil? Will be a emulsified creamy white oil under the oil filler cap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted March 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Any water in the oil? Will be a emulsified creamy white oil under the oil filler cap. Yes there is a slight bit of gunk but I put that down to condensation ....the car steams a little from the exhaust when cold but soon disappears when warmed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted March 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Whats your location Mike? Maybe there is someone close with a testing kit. I'm between Stroud and Cirencester in the heart of the Cotswolds.. I do have a friendly Ford main dealer a short drive away who is a long time friend so getting it tested foc is not a problem.... thanks all the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Check the thermostat-it could be boiling the water off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAYBURN Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 Pressure test best way to find a leak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royboy Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 When the cars at normal running temp place a big piece of cardboard (old box) directly under the waterPump, Leave over night to cool and look to see if there's a patch on the cardboard. Sometime water pumps only leak when they are cooling down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted March 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 When the cars at normal running temp place a big piece of cardboard (old box) directly under the waterPump, Leave over night to cool and look to see if there's a patch on the cardboard. Sometime water pumps only leak when they are cooling down Cheers I will give that a try also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Albert Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 (edited) As has been said: Check for white gunge in the oil filler cap. If there is some it could be a head gasket. If excess steam coming out of the exhaust then again - head gasket. Check that it is clean around the water pump. Orange colour is sign of the pump failing. Check all hose connections and hoses for leaks and loose clips. Check radiator for orange colour on matrix and around filler cap - leaks. Take the belt off the water pump and wiggle the pump pulley. If loose then renew pump. How often do you have to top it up? Edited March 4, 2014 by Uncle Albert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royboy Posted March 4, 2014 Report Share Posted March 4, 2014 White gunge in the oil filler cap is not a sign of head gasket problems. It's normally just condensation. Now if the sump is full of gunge that's a different story. Vauxhall engines come out if the factory with gunge under filler cap ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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