Coolant?

[McBruce]

Hey Guys,

I have a leaky radiator, or atleast trying to pinpoint where the leak is coming from. Kept on finding a small wet patch or two at the NS front in my garage, thought it was just water collecting after a drive but investigated further to find my coolant reservoir below minimum level and the smell is a sweetish one.

Stripped the bumper off and the cowls at the front, cleaned it all up as the radiators was clogged. Left it to dry, put it back into garage for the night, hoping I would find the source the next day but to no avail...

Any tips would be appreciated on that problem!

Where do you guys get the antifreeze from? design911 do a 1 litre bottle for 11 quid, is that the only real option?

 

[McBruce]

Found the leak, picture is taken from underneath onto the radiator housing frame, would this be coming from the hose at the connection, opinions? you can see the dried pink residue, so definitely coolant fluid!

 

[dij999]

Most likely and very common is the rad itself. They are notorious for it especially when rubbish accumulates via the ducts.
Mine were porous in one place rather than a distinct hole and initially only leaked when coolant was hot and system pressurised.

 

[Gimme Shelter]

I did a technical article on replacing the rads back in May (I think). (Check out the DIY stuff at the top of the page.) Repalcing the rads is easier than you think, it just takes time. As regards coolant, I think I sussed out that it's the same long-life stuff as the red Halfords 5-year coolant or Comma Extreme. Just mix it 50/50 with distilled water. I think I ended up using the Halfords stuff, but can double-check if you want.

 

[chriscoates81]

Can you actually shut off the flow to the rads or do you have to drain the entire system when changing them?

 

[minny]

If you clamp the radiator hoses with proper hose clamps you only lose about 2 litres per side. When you refit the radiator and hose, leave the vent hose off first and then release the hose clamps. Slowly top up the coolant tank until clear coolant emerges from the vent tube and refit. You show find that the same quantity lost is the same as that refilled so you have some reassurance you don't have a huge airlock. I also did a DIY for the Carrera. On the turbo, the bleeding procedure is slightly more complex.