ashbuster

hey guys
just about to sell the subaru and when i checked the coolent because it hasnt been used for a few days i found it was low so i topped up with water,
been out today in it for about 10 mins driving and i let it cool down for a few hours and checked again and it was low again
this is the header tank im checking
i carnt see any leaks anywhere and the car runs as normal
where could it be going? obviously i need it sorted because i carnt sell it like that
selling for £1000 to sell fast because of me getting a supra and it doesnt look good to sell like it is
never let me down before

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

There is two tanks, header which should be full and expansion tank which should be filled to level marked on it, that will probably be the reason that your expansion tank is empty.

KAS35RSTI

iTrader: (73)

Fill it again, let the car run, then re check it when the temps have gone down. Sometimes you have to do this process a few times until the system is completely filled up.

ashbuster

yeah mate i filled that to the right place too
still the same seems to have lost atleast half a pint
its too dark to do anything at the moment but is there anything to look for tomorrow when its light
and thanks for the replys above ill do that and check
i have been topping up with just water tho
would you suggest me emptying and refilling with water/antifreeze mix

KAS35RSTI

iTrader: (73)

You can also let the car run while you are filling the water up, pump the radiator hose with you hand while you are filling it up. You should see the water level go down, do this a few times until you see the water getting to a steady level.

Be very careful when doing the above procedure with the car running and cap open as you need to switch the car off when you see the water level rising & dont get the car too hot.

If it is still losing water then you may have another issue

Yamarashi

If there's no obvious leak and your sure you have bled the air all out with the car heater turned onto hot then I would check the rad cap seals or of course just replace it as its one of the cheaper options that will hopefully be the cause.

Failing all that it might be worth using a sniffer for a head gasket issue.

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

As above.

But as said put the cap back on BEFORE you switch off, or a volcano of water will erupt.

ashbuster

nice one guys will check tomorrow
the cap on the headertank feels abit funny/looser than usual
i noticed this earlier

ashbuster

found the problem guys
my rad is leaking at the top left looking from the front of the car
looks like a new rad and i think it would have been the best and easiest thing to go