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[Bigron]

Uv tracer dye, UV torch, random glowing spots but no positive identification. Still losing coolant after many attempts to seal the likely areas with epoxy - at least long enought to get to Serek's!
I am considering buying a new radiator from the recommended ebay vendor, but unless I have missed the obvious, I cannot see a simple (for idiots) outline procedure in the Maintenance Guides. Can anyone help, please?

Ron.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Hey,

Right, rad off is as simple as undo all the visible electrical connectors / hoses/2 x oil cooler unions, ping out the two clips at the top, and lift out. However, in my experience there always seems to be 'one more to go' or you've missed something. Also, I believe that its perfectly possible to swap them with the front air intake pipes in place.... me, personally - 4 min job removing them, and makes it soo much easier, and still a little fiddly.

As I think I said in a preview thread of yours, the final, final cure (after various previous 'fixes' worked with varying degrees of success) was a new rad. Car runs like a sewing machine dipped in honey, and cool as a cucumber in Raybans now. 

Did you check the state/quality of rubber of the rear hoses, that sit behind the engine/above the gearbox? The issue being any coolant lost just evaporates immediately back there, so everything feels bone dry... 

[Bigron]

DBG, thanks a lot for that; I've reluctantly come to the same conclusion - new rad: only poverty and fear of doing the job myself has delayed it!
Um, is it that simple? It has the air-con bits around it and the external gearbox oil cooler gubbins to confuse a poor wee lad.
There was absolutes no UV dye witness marks around where you suggest, nor anywhere near anywhere other than near the rad side tank, although exactly where is proving hard to pinpoint.
If only it were electronic; I could cope with that!

Ron.

P.S. "like a sewing machine dipped in honey! - I loved that!!!

[JamesV6CDX]

Can anyone help, please?

If you can wait a week (I go on holiday tomorrow) I'll bet you I can find (and fix) the leak 

I don't charge established members for work anymore, as long as my fuel / any other genuine expenses are covered. Many years ago it was a sideline, now strictly a hobby.

In your case - There is another condition, that your neighbours do not write off my Omega (again)

[Bigron]

Wow James, that is very generous of you, thank you. I can wait, as I can still go short journeys to town without emptying the header tank.
Should I get a radiator from ebay, as recommended on here.
When you did my cambelt and thermostat, you said the rad top hose may soon need replacing - do you know anyone that sells them other than Vx and their unfriendly prices?
I now have new neighbours - Polish - and they don't park on the forecourt like the last lot!
I am truly delighted about your recovery as is Christine. 

Ron.

[Bigron]

Oh, and have a great holiday, James - what were you doing on here at that ungodly hour? 

Ron.

[Nick W]

Ron, the radiator top hose is only about £25 from Vauxhall. I doubt they're available anywhere else.

[Bigron]

Thanks, Nick; but it's a load of cash for my pension just for a bit of rubber! 

Ron.

[JamesV6CDX]

I might have a spare will check

[Pmacca2000]

Funny you should bring this topic up, my V6 has had a major overhaul this year, a standard cam belt service (water pump) cam cover gasket replacement,  new coil pack, niew leads, crank and cam sensors.
I was a little concerned when the low coolant warning came on last week.
She's been pressure tested and it was thought an air lock moving after the water pump was replaced was to blame.
Unfortunately the coolant level is still dropping but no signs of where from so I'm checking it regularly and I think it'll be in for investigation if it carries on.