water loss

[Tobyman]

I have an F reg ford sierra with 2 litre petrol engine, pinto type, recently the water level for the radiator etc has been going down more than usual. I know there is a small leak in the radiator but thats been there for a while. Appart from an obvious leak is there anything else within the engine that could cause the water/coolant level to drop. I dont want to waste money on a new radiator if the engine is had it.

[jake-the-peg]

Well you could have a head gasket failure - if the water is leaking into the oil you will more than likely have the characteristic "mayonaise" on the oil filler cap.

If it's leaking into the cylinderyou'll be seeing white smoke or steam out of the exhaust.

It could just be leaking from one of the hoses or possibly if it's a small leak from the heater matrix - you'll know that because it'll be misting up a lot.

I guess it could be leaking from the water pump too

[Tobyman]

thanks for you answer, can check the oil filler cap. I don't have any probs with misting up at the moment. it does smoke a bit but thats because it burns a tiny amount of oil and has done for ages. thanks again.

[Graham-W]

May be worth trying "radweld" or "C-Lit". I actually prefer "C-Lit" as it acts as a waterpump lubricant as well. Have a look here http://www.supplyshed...ce-litradiatorse.html

[ChuckFickens]

I'm quite partial to c-lit too!

[suzie1]

very old car

[TWR]

At the back of the engine there are 4 Core plugs check that area for water loss, (You may have a job to detect this area), have you checked all the hoses? carpets inside the front of the car?

[Tobyman]

Im not great with cars so i think il get my local garage to check it out.

Thanks again for all your answers.

[TWR]

Hi, before you do that, get a large or even some old wallpaper, ( No, I'm not taking the Ps) place this in-line on the ground beneath your engine, place something heavy on it to stop it blowing away, Run the engine the coolant when leaking will give you the area of loss.