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Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 30 July 2009, 15:16:47

Title: Coolant leak - is my thinking right?
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 30 July 2009, 15:16:47
Right. Fitted new oil cooler yesterday. Was idling fine, no leaks, gave it a quick run round the block to test, was fine.

 Later, took it to the shops and I could hear it boiling away. Pulled over, popped the bonnet, coolant cap was doing a geyser impression, but I could hear bubbling coming from under the plenum. "Oh bother" says I, limps it to civilisation (low coolant warning came on) and called the RAC. Towed home, and just pulled the plenum etc off, expecting to see evidence of the plate leaking.

 Dry as a bone - slight trickle from the drivers side bolt on the coolant bridge, so I'm thinking I've not fitted the washer correctly.

 Now, I suspected previously that the coolant pressure cap was faulty - there was splattering of coolant behind it.

 If it was faulty, could it be that its let air in, so boiling the fluid and forcing it out through that tiny leak?

 Obviously I've refitted the washer, there was no sign of actual damage to it - and intend to use my known good radiator cap off the dead 2.6.

 Finally (sorry, I'm thinking as I type) - can I refill the cooling system and turn the engine over by hand, and see if there is a leak on the coolant bridge bolt, or indeed anywhere else?

Title: Re: Coolant leak - is my thinking right?
Post by: Ghost on 30 July 2009, 16:25:15
Turning the engion by hand will not help you find a leak, you cant turn it fast enough for the water pump to pump the water round.
You should always use new washer seals even if they look good as they are week and will not seal again.
Did you bleed your system before you replaced your filler cap?
Title: Re: Coolant leak - is my thinking right?
Post by: sneakypenguin on 30 July 2009, 16:34:20
That was my first thought, any air trapped inside the system will add to the pressure the system builds up itself and will find the weakest point to escape
Title: Re: Coolant leak - is my thinking right?
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 30 July 2009, 16:58:44
Quote
Turning the engion by hand will not help you find a leak, you cant turn it fast enough for the water pump to pump the water round.
You should always use new washer seals even if they look good as they are week and will not seal again.
Did you bleed your system before you replaced your filler cap?

 Fair play on the water pump.

 And... donut points for me. I'd "coughed" the pipes, but didn't run it with heater on and do a "proper" bleed, which could well be the problem. *hangs head in shame*
Title: Re: Coolant leak - is my thinking right?
Post by: Ghost on 30 July 2009, 17:03:06
Quote
Quote
Turning the engion by hand will not help you find a leak, you cant turn it fast enough for the water pump to pump the water round.
You should always use new washer seals even if they look good as they are week and will not seal again.
Did you bleed your system before you replaced your filler cap?

 Fair play on the water pump.

 And... donut points for me. I'd "coughed" the pipes, but didn't run it with heater on and do a "proper" bleed, which could well be the problem. *hangs head in shame*


Slap yourself on the hand and carry a pink hand bag for a week Lol. ;D ;D
its easy forget it, so try and bleed the engine with heater on full and temp high, it might solve your prob.
leave the cap off when bleeding it might take a bit to bleed fully. :y