header tanks nearly empty after about 20-30 miles
but this only happens if i push the car hard otherwise its fine, cant see a leak
anywhere tho.
temp gauge stays same either way and car drives same
any ideas

will take it to be looked at soon as work allows

 

have a good look at the radiator endtanks as they can split and only squirt out coolant when at pressure. usually have a split on the drivers side end tank along one of the moulding lines.. hard to see but very common.

Rich

 

i'll have a look at that thanks Rich

 

just had same problem turned out to be head gasket, ok when driving gently but on boost was pressurising the water system, are you getting pressure in the water system ?
is it coming out of the overflow?

 

might be that James yes coming out the overflow.
thanks for the help

 

Check all possibilities, air lock, blockage, rad etc. Failing that it could well be a problem with the head gasket, have a compression test done this will show up any cylinder leakage.

 

as already stated there, id chek the radiator end tanks as mine split and was leaking there but the leaking coolant was getting burned off on the radiator/exhausts before i could see any leakages....u might get a hot coolant smell though as it evaporates in a case like this

 

Will the pressure test only show up Head Gasket problems or does check for radiator crack / leaks also ?

I have noticed that my header tank empties in my opinion too quickly. Topped it up about 4 times in 6 months from the MIN line (where the hose end) back to FULL.

My car does smell hot (if that makes sense) but not sure if it's the evaporation of coolant i'm smelling . This is even after a "normal" run and not pushing it.

Starting to get paranoid now !!

 

May also be worth checking the cap for wear on the rubber....just found it...split..coolant sitting under the cap

 

Hello there,
I have the same problem @ moment.
NO water leak but if you drive 5 minutes, water comes out the overflow.
1st, changed the radiator cap and thermostat.
2nd, checked for blocks.
3rd, removed water pump.
4th, checked online and conclusion is (after reading this thread);
Head Gasket
Now, the Question is where can I get a engine diagram for this job ahead?
It a 2.2 Auto, liberty 1991