Notice a few days ago slight whisps of water vapour on the trundle to work. Didn't think much of it, thought is was probably dew boiling off as the car got warm. But it's happening in the afternoon after being in the sun all day, and it smells like coolant.

Hardly loosing any water (so far) and it seems to be coming from the drivers side of the engine compartment. Are there any known weak areas for coolant hoses etc ?

97 model

Cheers

Sorry - put it in the wrong forum - do I get a place in the Muppet cabinate for this ?

 

Clint ,

Had a similar problem a couple of months ago with my 97. Hoses were all fine but found the tiniest hole on the front right edge of the rad when up to pressure (literally behind the grille). New radiator for me as I hear there are temp fixes but thought for the money I'd just replace.

 

Check if the coolant tank is overfilled. Coolant can seep out of the pressure cap on the left of the engine and if it lands on the turbo it will steam.

 

Thanks guys.
Actually heard a fizz, like drops of water hitting the turbo last time I had my head under the bonet, didn't register that it could be over fill.

How much are new rads ?

 

New rads are about £200, the weak point is normally where the top hose connects on the turbo side of the rad, you will see a line in the moulding this is where a small stress crack appears and fizz's out.

 

Check the water hoses to/from the turbo. Mine was doing this and it turned out that one of these was leaking slightly. I just tightend up the spring clip with some pliers, though might be better off replacing it with a proper hose clip.

The water was dripping onto the hot turbo causing small puffs of steam to come out of the bonnet. Smelt horrible as well.