Coolant Level question

[bigdaddycain]

I'd be wary of anybody covering a warranty if they can prove that WEEKLY checks of fluid wasn't adhered to.

If you could still see the coolant in the tank, then the chances are that it's not taken on any air. Top up, and as a precaution take a big tub of pre mixed coolant with you (5 litre tub i'd suggest) on your trip. You'll be glad you did if you have to top up again in the middle of nowhere.

The drop in coolant does need to be investigated, it could be a tiny weep, or a big leak, who can tell without further investigation? The tiny weep, (if that's what it is) may well not remain a tiny weep with use, and could turn into a huge leak, which may well catch you out.

[widdowson2008]

Hope it goes without a hitch. Have a good weekend.

[umbongocat]

Thanks guys... I will keep an eye and I've made some pre-mix to take with us. From now on I'm checking the coolant level every day
ignoring it

[bigdaddycain]

It's worth the precaution Now enjoy that trip! (wish i was joining you, i'm working all weekend)

[umbongocat]

It's worth the precaution Now enjoy that trip! (wish i was joining you, i'm working all weekend)

Thanks... we will be extra cautious... we're working too from the bongo, but nice to be out in the countryside instead of at home

One of the good things about working from home on a Friday is we can go on a Thursday night... feels more like a long break that way

Will keep you all posted on how it went ... thanks again and now off to pack

[bigdaddycain]

Best of luck, and enjoy!

[mikeonb4c]

From now on I'm checking the coolant level every day

No need really - let the LCA do it for you. Just carry some spare 50/50 coolant mix so you can respond when it bleeps

Frankly, in a completely healthy system there is no reason why a header tank should need checking other than very occasionally (if at all?). But then that's the reason overheats occur so...... I believe LCAs are now being fitted as standard to some new cars.

[umbongocat]

We're back from our long weekend away. Did what you all recommended. Added some more coolant before we left. Checked it when we arrived once it had cooled down. It seemed to be at the same level. The first night we were parked on a hard standing in a barn (don't ask) and the next day.. no signs of leaks. Back now and again, the level hasn't gone down.. only drove 45 mins there so will have to keep an eye on it on the longer journeys. But happy to report back that a fab weekend was had and Tink our baby has done us proud

[Doone]

Good to hear that you had a great weekend. Keep an eye on the coolant level until you're either sure it's OK, or you find the leak.

[widdowson2008]

Glad to hear it went OK and you had a good weekend.

.....and get into the habit of checking the coolant level. It'll cost you minutes of your time but could save you a LOT of brass.

[mikexgough]

My recent leak went like yours.....although my alarm didn't sound as I found it way before it would have sounded......Mine was a pin hole on the hose that runs over the starter motor and joins the rear heater.....What happened with mine was the "leak" was known to me during tank checks but finding the devil.....it went days without losing a drop...but then when the temp went up a little the hose opened enough to squirt coolant over the hot engine and evaporate then would cool again and lose no more
So I had a feeling that it was one of the usual suspects....common hoses that fail and run the engine hot(after a trip) with engine covers up....much squeezing and prodding got nowt but when I got to the rear hose....there was the small eruption...close to the engine block and just after where the hose is clamped...it had gone soft but not squishy soft....

[umbongocat]

I'll definitely keep an eye on the level and get it checked for any small leaks in the hoses. It was worth going as the weather was fab which meant Chris could finally put on the decals he bought me for my b'day


and a wonderful moon

[mikeonb4c]

Excellent new umbongocat - you made a good decision. But now its time to attend to the issue. Get some u/v dye into the coolant, buy a u/v torch so you can spot where a slow leak may be happening. And fit an LCA so you shouldn't have to check coolant level every day.

Peace of mind - its what we all need, where we can find some.

[umbongocat]

Excellent new umbongocat - you made a good decision. But now its time to attend to the issue. Get some u/v dye into the coolant, buy a u/v torch so you can spot where a slow leak may be happening. And fit an LCA so you shouldn't have to check coolant level every day.

Peace of mind - its what we all need, where we can find some.

Thanks Mike... what's an LCA??? so un technically minded.. Is it the Low Coolant Alarm, if so we've got one which is why I realised it was low.. it squealed at me

We're keeping an eye on it and will take it to the garage we got it from as soon as we can get up that way

[mikeonb4c]

Excellent new umbongocat - you made a good decision. But now its time to attend to the issue. Get some u/v dye into the coolant, buy a u/v torch so you can spot where a slow leak may be happening. And fit an LCA so you shouldn't have to check coolant level every day.

Peace of mind - its what we all need, where we can find some.

Thanks Mike... what's an LCA??? so un technically minded.. Is it the Low Coolant Alarm, if so we've got one which is why I realised it was low.. it squealed at me

We're keeping an eye on it and will take it to the garage we got it from as soon as we can get up that way

Silly me - I'd forgotten you already had a low coolant alarm. Confused? Moi? You bet