Coolant leak issue
 

Hi all.

Was driving then parked up for a bit. When parked I noticed coolant leaking from under the car between the front wheels through whatever hole that is in the chassis.

Only lasted for a minute or two and have no further leaks since.

Could this just be an innocent overflow situation or do you think it could be more sinister?

Engine temp gauge looks fine and can't see any issues with damage to hoses etc when I look under the hood.

All help would be very gratefully received.

Could just be aircon condenser. There are 2 pipes under the car which drip condensation now & again:cool:
The temp gauge is useless btw, use the OBD diagnostics for real engine temp https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=55585

It did drop quite a bit and was definitely the coolant colour, pinkish. But was only for a short time and hasn't happened since.

What should the engine temp be when using the OBD?

Forget all that. Cars just got rid of all fluid and majorly overheated. Garage time.

I kept having this issue on mine.for me it was the top rad elbow o ring,solved with a thicker one from b&q,as I just could not seal it no matter what.also another thing I reckon catches us 1.8 owners out is the coolant cap.as you screw it on it gets tight so far down the thread leading you to believe it’s on but keep going then it clicks and frees up and then tightens some more.caught me out the other day,lesson learned 🙄.wonder how many head gaskets have actually failed through that🤨


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That doesn't sound right. The caps are the same on all engines and no-one has ever reported what you describe. The cap has a simple one stage thread, no clicks, no second go. I'd suggest this cap has gone beyond it's use by date. Overtightening is the number one cause of cap problems, crushed seals, pressure leaks and seized valve housings. I'd suggest a new cap and a little silicone lube on the threads and rubber parts will solve it. And only a gentle tightening.



TC

I was driving with the OBD to see what the engine temp was, all of a sudden it shot up to 125+, the red coolant light came on the screen and the temp gauge went all the way up, so I stopped immediately and turned off the engine. The coolant liquid was pouring from underneath the car.

Have just left it where it is.

Does this sound like a head gasket issue?

Thank you for your help.

That sounds more like a ruptured coolant hose. By stopping and shutting the engine off immediately you have probably saved the head gasket(s).

Hope it works out OK.

Cheers,
Glenn

Agree with you re the cap - mine has never done that in 6 years of ownership- as you say gentle tightening to save the O-rings - and i change my cap every 12 months or so.