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[uktigger]

I need help !
I've got a 2.2 CD (Z22XE).
Had timing belt done, New water pump, new thermostat and new radiator.
There are no leaks that can be seen anywhere.
However, i'm having to refill the coolant bottle EVERY WEEK when i get the check coolant level warning.
I've had a pressure test done on it and that's coming back fine.
Does anyone have any thoughts as to where my coolant could be going.

Thanks
STeve

[Doctor Gollum]

Heater Bypass Valve.

Have also experienced a leak at the rear end of the transfer pipe on the drivers side of the Desmond. In both instances, you're looking for evidence of coolant at the back of the engine between the steering box and starter.

It could also be the head gasket, but you don't describe anything re than coolant loss, so start with the simple stuff first

[uktigger]

Heater Bypass Valve.

Have also experienced a leak at the rear end of the transfer pipe on the drivers side of the Desmond. In both instances, you're looking for evidence of coolant at the back of the engine between the steering box and starter.

It could also be the head gasket, but you don't describe anything re than coolant loss, so start with the simple stuff first

I really appreciate your thoughts.
As far as i can tell, there's no mixing of coolant and oil (gunge on oil filler cap etc) which is, i believe a sign of the head gasket failing. Also i had the gasket replaced about 12 months ago.
I don't see any physical signs of a leak left on the road under the car, so my question is, could the HBV still be the problem even without leaving a stain under the car?
Again, thanks for you ideas.

[Doctor Gollum]

The coolant is going somewhere...

Pressurise it and report back

[uktigger]

Indeed it does have to be going somewhere.
I've had a pressure test done on it and that came back normal.
I've also got it booked in with my mechanic again next week to try to find out what is going on.(He seems to think it may be vapourising somewhere internally)
Although it doesn't fill you with confidence when he asks you what will i do if this is terminal 

[Doctor Gollum]

I would find a different garage as it sounds like you're about to be screwed over

[uktigger]

I hope not :-) He's been looking after my cars for over 20 yrs now.
Just have to wait and see what he says.

One more question though, as i said, I'm refilling the coolant every week with 50/50 mix of antifrees (costing me a fortune). Do you think that, as long as I keep an eye on this, I will be ok to carry on running the car as normal? Don't wan't to cause any damage if i can help it.

[YZ250]

......................
could the HBV still be the problem even without leaving a stain under the car?

In some cases the heat of the engine evaporates the leaking coolant before you get to see it as a leak. It does leave a salty water mark as evidence though.

[Entwood]

If you are only losing that small amount, check the neck of the expansion tank .. it tends to get micro cracks that cause a pressure drop which leads to increased evaporation and no sign of liquid. Another way to check is wrap a piece of blue absorbent paper, kimwipe or similar, around the neck of the expansion tank and run the engine until normal temperature is reached, leave it for 15 minutes, then check the paper, if the expansion cap is leaking it will show signs of wetness and change colour.

If it is not that, add a couple of small bottles of bright yellow food colouring to the coolant, any leak will then be easier to see as it will stain yellow

[uktigger]

I'm putting about 1.5 litres in every week.
Also, the expansion tank was new a couple of years ago.

[Entwood]

I'm putting about 1.5 litres in every week.
Also, the expansion tank was new a couple of years ago.

Doesn't mean it has no cracks .. it won't have been made a couple of years ago, it's probably at least 15 years old by now

[addy]

Another area, is on the top left side of the Radiator. It can have a airline crack in it, but the coolant can go down over the week. I had the same symptoms on my Omega, (it is a 2.6),  As suggested on here, removed the plastic cover, over the radiators then pressurised the coolant system. The leak could be seen then. Replaced the radiator no coolant low warning since. Except when HBV went.

[uktigger]

Another area, is on the top left side of the Radiator. It can have a airline crack in it, but the coolant can go down over the week. I had the same symptoms on my Omega, (it is a 2.6),  As suggested on here, removed the plastic cover, over the radiators then pressurised the coolant system. The leak could be seen then. Replaced the radiator no coolant low warning since. Except when HBV went.

Already replace the radiator, so possibly rules that out.
The HBV is looking a possibility from what's been said, coz also, last year i went through a phase where i couldn't get any heat into the car, but temps were normal.
It then suddenly started working again about 6 mths ago. Hmmmm ;-)

[addy]

Did you burp the system. Another suggestion given to me, was make sure the Coolant system is burped. Apparently it doesn't always automatically burp itself, causing airlocks.

Hope you manage to sort it out.

[amba]

Im with Nige on the colour dye in the coolant.

I went a bit further a bought a proper bottle of coolant dye for about a £5.Put in into the coolant reservoir and drive a few miles .Then check with a UV torch and you will see a very definite yellow/green fluorescent stain showing the path the coolant is leaking from and be able to pin point the problem.

Like you my leak was inconclusive with the pressure test but found it as soon as I added the dye...perished seal on coolant transfer pipe on mine but its V6 so more of an issue to fix .