Please bear with me guys I am not at all mechanically minded (well actually Im a bit thick when it comes to engines).
I have a 53 plate sti, today I opened the bonnet and noticed a very slight leak on what I think is the expansion tank on the LHS of the engine, it is a little metal thing with a filler cap in the middle of it, now with the engine running it looks like water is passing where the funnel meets the tank, it doesnt look like it is leaking from the cap. Now the top of this tank with the filler in it looks like it is bolted on, if I need a new one can I unbolt this buy a new one with a new gasket and replace it and if so where from and also whats it called. I hope thats not too vague.
Also the reason I had the bonnet up was to jump start it, now this has happened about 3 times over the last 18 months or so, it gets parked up 1 day with no problems and then the following morning it is dead, put jump leads on it and it starts immedietly and is ok for months again
Thanks guys and sorry for the lack of technical info.

 

cant coment on your leak my battery was dead a while back just from doing short journeys its somthing to do with the smart alternator so i just keep my fan on number one to keep the battery charging no problems since

 

vattery could be tired or the battery might not be charging up due to an alternator issue. as for the leaking tank that is common. you will have to order a new one unless you can find someone to weld it for you mate :thumb;

 

The (not very) "Smart alternators" will only draw current and charge when a load is applied. Drive round with the sidelights on and this will cure the problem.

If not you may have a bad earth or electrical connection. Have you fitted a new alarm/immobiliser/radio/cd etc lately?

How old is the battery, normally 3 years but some are 5 year guarantees. Yours may have a production date on it.

Cheers

 

Thanks guys, Havent had anything new fitted to car, I will check the battery for a date when the mrs gets home and I will have to ask my local garage about the leak.

 

Took car to ATS in bridgend, they checked the battery and it was knackered (only 30%), so had a new one off them for £75, havent resolved anything on leak yet.

 

with reguards to the tank leak, I have known quite a few newage Impreza's that have developed leaks on the expansion tank, mainly due to corrosion, think this may have been an issue which is why Subaru changed it to a plastic one in 2005.

 

I had a collection of water now and again on the expansion tank, I would get a small "Pool" kept on the top of the tank by the raised edge.

Turned out to be the standard circlip (on the large hose) wasn't quite tight enough and I ditched them for jubilee clips and not had a prob with a leak since. HTH.

Si

 

I had a collectioon of water now and again on the expansion tank, I would get a small "Pool" kept on the top of the tank by the raised edge.

Turned out to be the standard circlip (on the large hose) wasn't quite tight enough and I ditched them for jubilee clips and not had a prob with a leak since. HTH.

Si

 

Buy one, get one reply free there