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[Debs.]

Started the pup-mobile for the first time in a month (she`s been laid-up due to the snow).
I checked fluids levels, hoses, belts etc. and gave the battery an overnight 'trickle' first.

She started perfectly (as usual) but I did notice that there had been a slight drop in coolant level in the header tank (no more than 10mm. lower than the 'Kalt') and once up to 'fan-run' temperature, a very tiny hiss could be heard in the general area of the header tank`s seam at the rear of the tank, but it might also have been from underneath the tank; as it`s difficult to get near and listen closely, due to the proximity of the suspension turret (and my 'aged' ears!).

The antifreeze concentration is (for sure) 50%, so I doubt if the frost has got to anything; even though temps have been at -22C for several days here during the cold-snap.
I did detect a feint whiff of glycol in that area; but nothing like the sweet-stink you`d expect from a major leak.
Would the extreme cold had made the plastic-welded tank seam or the level-sensor boss brittle, perhaps?

So, I`m wondering how much a header tank is going to cost?......I might have to go for a used-one as funds are terribly tight......Would it be ok to use the car (keeping an eye on levels, of course!) until I can afford to get a replacement?

[tunnie]

Tank is not that expensive, around £35 i think.

[Elite Pete]

I've got one here Debs off the facelift im breaking, its yours FOC if you want it

[Debs.]

I've got one here Debs off the facelift im breaking, its yours FOC if you want it

Wow!...yes please, Pete.
P.M sent

[TheBoy]

I took around 10 down the tip earlier today - I had collected a nice little pile.

Sounds like EP has one. Might be worth popping on a new/used cap as well, just in case

[Debs.]

Just a little post to update this thread:

I discovered that the plastic header-tank was indeed leaking; specifically from the circular bonded join `twixt the threaded cap-boss and the moulded top of the main body of the tank.....only evident when under pressure or when the tank cap was put under mechanical stress which made any 'hiss/bubbling' considerably more evident.
......only a small leak, but enough to lose coolant each time the system was cycled through heat and pressure.

[Andy B]

Just a little post to update this thread:

I discovered that the plastic header-tank was indeed leaking; specifically from the circular bonded join `twixt the threaded cap-boss and the moulded top of the main body of the tank.....only evident when under pressure or when the tank cap was put under mechanical stress which made any 'hiss/bubbling' considerably more evident.
......only a small leak, but enough to lose coolant each time the system was cycled through heat and pressure.

It's always nice to see a specific fault when you have to replace a part & not have to trust to luck.     

[raksha]

Glad you got it sorted - don't forget anti freeze can be fatal to animals if ingested, and they find it tastes good too, so be careful with the pups around any spillages... 

[Debs.]

Glad you got it sorted - don't forget anti freeze can be fatal to animals if ingested, and they find it tastes good too, so be careful with the pups around any spillages... 

 ;)I kept them in the house all the time I was working on the cooling system and hosed/brushed thoroughly afterwards
.
.....but your warning is well received and a timely reminder to anyone with children or pets, concerning the toxicity of Ethylene-Glycol; even in small quantities it will be inevitably fatal as it causes rapid and acute renal failure.

It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds.

[Andy B]

....
It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds.

You've not tasted the pink stuff then!?  Tastes nothing like the blue of old. 

[Debs.]

....
It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds.

You've not tasted the pink stuff then!?  Tastes nothing like the blue of old. 

It smells similar, Andy.....I wonder have they added something like 'Bitrex' (denatonium saccharide) to discourage ingestion? :-/

Some of the resin systems I`ve worked with use denatonium to discourage ingestion and it`s still smells bitter on hands after several days/hand-washings.

[Andy B]

....
It`s unfortunate that it has a very-palatable sweetness making it very appealing to kiddies, dogs, cats and small birds.

You've not tasted the pink stuff then!?  Tastes nothing like the blue of old. 

It smells similar, Andy.....I wonder have they added something like 'Bitrex' (denatonium saccharide) to discourage ingestion? :-/

Some of the resin systems I`ve worked with use denatonium to discourage ingestion and it`s still smells bitter on hands after several days/hand-washings.

Could be, it's certainly bitter!  :-?