radiator leak

[taichiperson]

I'm sending my car in to the garage to have a leak in the cooling system fixed. They had already had a look and replaced a cap on the drainage system, but it has made no difference. My question is - I cannot find an obvoius leak, it seems to need topped up more the further it has been driven, so what could be the cause? I'm presuming the leak is happening under pressure, would it be the radiator or leak in a hose - or something completely different? Am I in for (another) whopping garage bill?

[taichiperson]

Thanks - it's a Xsara Picasso 2.0 Hdi Diesel. That sounds expensive........

[TWR]

Hi, check your oil!! is there water init? Run the car & have a look at the overflow pipe Is there water coming from it, If so, Head Gasket. Get the car presure tested.

[taichiperson]

Thanks - no water in the oil. Not sure where the overflow pipe is. Overflow of what?

[TWR]

Hi, If and when you top up your system the eccess water should flow out of your overflow pipe which is attached to your Header tank, Start the car up as said and check the underside of the car for the water, Is the car running ok apart from that? Is the car Sluggish? Water in the derv!! Have you run the car HOT?? If so Head Gasket, You best bet is to get the car Coolant pressure tested as said not by an agent but a Decent Garage not a rip off dealer, To test the system should cost in the region of about �20 that is good i comparison to a dealer Good Luck.

[taichiperson]

Ta TWR. Going back to garage on Monday, they are usually good. I think they didn't have time to check the car thoroughly last , they are usually turning work away. I'd only mentioned the leak when I took it in to have the suspension investigated and bulb replaced on dashboard.
I hadn't dared fill the header tank over the maximum mark in case it put too much pressure on the system, didn't know there was an overflow. Shall check it later.
The light on the dashboard that shows engine heat hasn't gone above what it normally is. Car running normally otherwise, maybe a little unven standing at traffic lights, but not consistently so.

[TWR]

I presum the car has Air Con? If so, it will use a BIT more water but not a lot, Last of all With SAFETY IN MIND!!!! When the car is running check the rear exhaust if there is water coming out ( Suspect Gasket) I hope in your case it has not, It will be good to know the result.

[taichiperson]

Yes, we have air con - not working at the moment, have had a lot of garage bills lately so haven't got round to it. Its that relevant?

[TWR]

You might have knocked on your problem here Taichiperson, A/C not working? Why? Check the Floor in your car, Is it wet by the pedals? Or the N/S floor area!

[taichiperson]

This could be a 'Doh!' moment! OH is out in car, but have not noticed any wetness, and it's been like this for over a week now. Will investigate...........

[TWR]

good luck with your Quest, Think logic before putting the car in to your garage for a check up, It could be something and nothing, I will be on again on Sunday, I hope you have a good result. T.W.R.

[taichiperson]

Thanks again for your help - it has been like this for over a week as I said - it's not blown yet but can't find any obvoius leak so it's booked in, it's beyond our limited expertese. Am beginning to wonder if it's worth keeping much longer. Ta again.....

[taichiperson]

TWR if you're out there - have been to garage - same thing as last time. The plug on the drain was to blame again - quick and cheap (free!) to fix!!!!! They said if it happens again we'll have to get the bit of plastic that the plug fits into.

[TWR]

Hi, I am glad it was a cheap and FREE repair.