Alex C Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Had my cambelt changed a few weeks back - when I got home to check the coolant level, I noticed all the new red coolant splashed around the engine but had assumed that it was from the removal of pipes when it was flushed earlier. I cleaned it off and topped up the level and though no more of it. I've just popped the bonnet to check things over ready to go to the pod tomorrow however and been confronted with this... Obviously there is a leak somewhere and its being fired about by the fan - what could cause this having had the cambelt done...everything was fine before hand I'm extremely pissed off as I've just cleaned the car ready for an early start and now this. The car has used emptied its expansion tank in about 200 miles - I could top it up no problem but not sure how far to risk driving like this - bit worried once things start they can get worse very quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraJames Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Looks like the top rad pipe from the engine end to me, mine did the same a while back and yes it makes a mess. Mine is now leaking from the rad end, had to order new silicone connectors and clamps. P.s where did you get the purple anodised spark plug cover bolts from..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 (edited) Looking at the pics i would say its the right (meant left) hand pipe thats got the leak, maybe they overtightened the clip on the silicone hose. Edited due to cock up. Edited April 17, 2009 by Tricky-Ricky (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraJames Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Looking at the pics i would say its the right hand pipe thats got the leak, maybe they overtightened the clip on the silicone hose. Sorry to go a bit CSI here lol, but by the spray pattern and locations of the coolant, id would say top rad pipe on left side where it joins the engine, coolant has leaked and hit the fan which has then covering the bay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex C Posted April 17, 2009 Author Share Posted April 17, 2009 Thanks guys, had a quick check of the pipes and they seem OK but will look again. I'm a bit worried its the water pump... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Almost certainly the top rad pipe, had this before several times! The coolant is dripping onto the fan and spraying everywhere, from the pattern, the left side one to the pump will be at fault. It'd be best to remove it and refit. Check the pipe has a bead of weld or a lip all the way around each end and ensure that the silicon and clamps are clamping against this (see pic - might need to use the zoom option as it turned out a bit small!). Be careful not to overtighten the clamp that goes to the rad, it's only made of plastic abd will crack if not clamped correctly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 I'm a bit worried its the water pump... Very unlikely, is there any sign of leaks from the pump housing or in/outlets? If the pump is knackered it won't be spraying water everywhere and the car will overheat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex C Posted April 17, 2009 Author Share Posted April 17, 2009 There is a bit of water on one of the pump bolts but it could well be from above - the undertray has a bit of water laying on it looking from inside the bay. Having been out it seems like there is a very slight hiss from that connection as the car is cooling (top rad pipe 3rd pic down in my first post). Also it looks like the clamp is a little far out to the right so will re-fit it in the morning and give it a go, thanks for the help. Temp & drive of the car is fine so hopefully its nothing too bad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Sorry to go a bit CSI here lol, but by the spray pattern and locations of the coolant, id would say top rad pipe on left side where it joins the engine, coolant has leaked and hit the fan which has then covering the bay. LOL! well spotted, its not down to your CSI, its my dyslexia, i really meant left, i do it all the bloody time, and its really annoying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 Could be the water pump, mine failed on monday and with the fan spraying the water everywhere it looked just like that, took my mechanic most of the day to fit a new one, luckily i had a new one for my spare engine so it was all done in no time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 looking at the pics again it does seem like the clamps are placed to far out from the bead on the top pipe, especially the one going to the rad. The clamps need to be up near the end of the pipe on both sides right where the bead/lip is. Otherwise, the water will find it's way out. Hopefully not the pump, but if you're getting a hissing sound and leakage from the pump bolt it either isn't torqued up correctly or has a gasket problem. Try the hose first, get it fully cleaned up and see how it works tomorrow. It'll at least eliminate a few common issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex C Posted April 19, 2009 Author Share Posted April 19, 2009 Thanks for the help all, it was indeed the top rad pipe clamp which appeared tight but wasn't - removed it and re-fitted early yesterday morning and made it to the pod and back 300 miles no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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