Engine coolant leak !

M87NER

MATNER
Mar 11, 2007
1,338
0
Stoke-on-Trent
Hey,

Ive had to fill up my engine coolant system twice now in 2 weeks- i think it may have a leak somewhere but whats the best way to find the leak?

any help?

Cheers

Rich
 

M87NER

MATNER
Mar 11, 2007
1,338
0
Stoke-on-Trent
also forgot to mention i didnt here my secondary water pump pumping just when i got out my car-only drove for about 10 minutes though so dont know if its ment to kick in in that space of time..

will confirm later though if it does or does not pump after turning off engine
 

Reuvers

I is a Dutch man!
Oct 30, 2007
3,374
0
Netherlands
Did you replace the turbo recently?
If so, thats where mine leaked because I forgot one of the washers on the coolant line...
hope for you its not that, because its the last line you can get to, meaning you'll have to take the entire turbo off again...
 

Backdraft

Guest
Have a look at the thermostat to lower radiator hose. They come out of the clip and rub on the fan housing.
 

M87NER

MATNER
Mar 11, 2007
1,338
0
Stoke-on-Trent
Yeh, turbo's been on now for about 6 weeks... i hope it isnt this, i put all the washers on that came off.

i got in me car one time after cinema and it beeped staight away tbh i think it was last friday so not even a week ago and it has beeped again as of from today, be hard to tell if it was coming from turbo as it would evapourate instantly.

I'll go check few things now
 

ian_cupra

Guest
like backdraft said mate, mine has worn there twice now, hope its nothing serious though
 

M87NER

MATNER
Mar 11, 2007
1,338
0
Stoke-on-Trent
Carnt really see any physical leak atm, but i have just emptied my catch tank and it was full and basically poured out like water....?
 

ian_cupra

Guest
was it a mucky brown colour? think its oil mixed with water (condensation) not sure though
 

M87NER

MATNER
Mar 11, 2007
1,338
0
Stoke-on-Trent
yeh it was light brownish, never seen it like that before though, normally its been like sludgy texture with a bit off liquid, what happens if i put wire wool in? ive heard that before for some reason
 

Reuvers

I is a Dutch man!
Oct 30, 2007
3,374
0
Netherlands
but did you use the same washers when you put the turbo back on? should have gotten new ones tbh

as for leaking at the turbo, you should be able to see it at least 'bleed' there when just starting and turbo isn't hot yet.
 

M87NER

MATNER
Mar 11, 2007
1,338
0
Stoke-on-Trent
but did you use the same washers when you put the turbo back on? should have gotten new ones tbh

as for leaking at the turbo, you should be able to see it at least 'bleed' there when just starting and turbo isn't hot yet.

i ended up only getting new washers for the oil lines, ive had a look just from cold start up-carnt see any form of leak,

is there a way to do a pressure test on this?
 

ian_cupra

Guest
hope you do find a leak mate, otherwise could be expensive! you checked for leaks while its running, and hot, i.e after fans come on
 

M87NER

MATNER
Mar 11, 2007
1,338
0
Stoke-on-Trent
ive only checked for leaks from cold start up for about 5 min, havent checked when fans kick in yet ect..

im going out now so will check these things when i get back
 

SEATCOOBER

LOVE MY IBEEZA!!!
Mar 11, 2007
1,400
0
LINCOLN/NORWICH
my pipe rediator pipe through aswell and was difficult to see, my dad pressure rised the system with a hose pipe and water and it shot out the split you need coolant remember to after you fix it!!
 

andycupra

status subject to change
ive only checked for leaks from cold start up for about 5 min, havent checked when fans kick in yet ect..

im going out now so will check these things when i get back

so the coolant isnt propoerly circulation yet.

you need to have a run get it up to temperature, then have a good look.

have the heaters on when you check also.

i assume you dont have any wet carpets.

Seeing it seems you have had work done in the area, check around the turbo.

But also check the lower radiator hose connection, this is where the drain plug is, this can leak as its just a single rubber ring seal.

Clearly the radiator itself may be leaking.
 

jivejester

Active Member
Nov 29, 2007
336
0
Might want to also check the bottom of the oil return pipe on the turbo, you may find it dripping from that onto the gaitor cover and evaporating with the heat in that area.
 

Reuvers

I is a Dutch man!
Oct 30, 2007
3,374
0
Netherlands
Might want to also check the bottom of the oil return pipe on the turbo, you may find it dripping from that onto the gaitor cover and evaporating with the heat in that area.

people also forget the washers there sometimes (including person who wrote the guide for fitting k03s)
however how would that cause leaking of coolant?
 
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