Coolant seems to dissapear!
 

Hello,

I have a MY98 UK Turbo, its done about 90K. I have not had any problems with the car to date. Its been services as required etc. The problem I am having is that the coolant seems to just run away, this happens when I have done a trip of say around 50 miles. I have checked for the obvious signs of any leaks from hoses etc, but as of yet can't see any where. The ground underneath the car is always dry too, has anybody got any ideas what it could be? Or has anybody else suffered with the same problem. It has only recently started to happen, and I am getting worried about possible faults that it could be.

Cheers,

Keith

If it's disappearing in 50 miles and doesn't appear to be leaking out, it's likely you've got a blown head gasket.

Any ideas how much that is going to cost? And how I could find out if that is the correct diagnosis?

You can get it tested for hydrocarbons in the coolant (depends on where the gasket's broken though), or get the cylinders compression tested (easy job, just need to take the plugs out).

Never had one go in the Scoob, but I blew one on a Saab and it was about £500 from an indie, including getting the head ally welded because it had a crater in it.

Call David at www.apiengines.co.uk
He did mine, cost about £400 but i delivered the engine not the car.

Call him, he is a bullsh!t free zone.

Graham.

before panicking about your headgaskets its well worth replacing the pressure cap on your water tank. also check front of rad(grill side) on drivers side. the black plastic rad end on this side is prone to splitting and will squirt water out when system is under pressure but will usually have steamed off by the time you have lifted the bonnet.
good luck. let us know how u get on.

At the 90,000 mile stage I guess their has been a recent service?
Check that the coolant has been changed properly by taking off the pressure cap when cold and top the small metal reservoir tank up. Run the engine with the cap off and keep topping up if the level goes down.
If no more can be added before the water gets too hot then put the cap on, top up coolant in the expansion tank then see if there is any difference with a good blast?

Nick