Coolant Leak Numpty Questions!

[phenonix]

I have a serious coolant leak and would like to attempt to repair myself, but have never done this before.

I've recently noticed a smell of coolant when the temperature hits 100 (Hans sensor) and there would be a small puddle of coolant under the car.
Just the other day there was way more than previously, maybe a litre, so its gotten worse.

I'm hoping it's a leaking hose , the bottom radiator hose,PCH119290, is that the correct part number?
If it turns out to be other than this then i will put everything back and drop it in the garage.

I also have Kaisers metal housing.

I don't car stands for need to attempt this from the front rather than from under.

I've taken the front end off and fan and had a look inside and can see spillage all around PCH119290, i'll take a picture tomorrow.

I plan to take this hose off to inspect it further.

Questions are.

Should i run the car with the front end off to confirm where the leak is coming from that hose?
Will i be able to replace that hose from the front if i need to?


Or any suggestions how to tackle this differently?

I'm sure i'll have a few other questions as i get further in.
Thanks in advance

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by phenonix

... can see spillage all around PCH119290 ...
Should i run the car with the front end off to confirm where the leak is coming from that hose?

Yes, because it might not be. The leak could be coming from higher up, for example from the expansion tank cap. On the other hand, the bleed screw may be damaged.

Start by mopping up the spillage and ensuring all coolant components are dry then run the engine and watch carefully.

Simon

[Blink]

Check the undersides of all hoses because some of them rub against others and can/will eventually wear through. It's not easy to spot when looking down into the engine bay - you have to view them from underneath. (V6).

[COLVERT]

When you say the front end off I guess you mean the bumper.---

It will be much easier to find a leak that way. It could be something simple like a hose clip needs tightening up.

As you don't want to get under the car then arm yourself with a mirror to look around corners.




Joined here in 2007.---- 13-1/2 years on the forum.----One of the longer serving members. Have you had the same car all that time ??

[Blink]

Hose PCH119280 engine to oil cooler is one of the hoses that rubs on a V6.

Number 3 here - https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID001584

[vitesse]

Pay special attention to the large hoses running near the airbox. I once had a leak under the protective sheath which took ages to locate. I noticed a dampness on the hose and it was only by cutting away the sheath that I saw the small split. Another clue was that this particular hose had lost its rubberised feel, instead it had a sticky feel to it.

Regards

[trikey]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Hello Joe,

This is interesting. From your photographs you appear to have a classic case of 'O' ring leakage into the 'V'. This is what happens with the plastic pipes and thermostat housing but nobody has yet had the same trouble with Kaiser's metal version.

If you grasp the large diameter hose just before its connection to the top of the thermostat housing and give it a good tug back and forth, can you see any of Kaiser's parts moving or rocking?

Simon

Hi Simon,

I have experienced the leaking from Kaisers metal stat on my Dorchester red when it was owned by Shadysadie.

I could not get the base of the stat to seal as it would weep on occasion, we tried two metal stats, and the symptoms were the same with both.

The port in the block was checked and found to be ok.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by trikey

I could not get the base of the stat to seal as it would weep on occasion ...

Thanks Andy, that's very interesting. I currently have fitted a genuine X-Part 'stat housing which has been improved by the addition of three supporting legs at the base. It's possible that Nanjing or SAIC commissioned this but whoever it was clearly identified that there was a problem with movement.

Simon

[trikey]

I know it’s a long shot but check the metal coolant pipes on the subframe, these can rust badly and I have seen one spray coolant upwards towards the front of the engine block.

[phenonix]

Originally Posted by trikey

I know it’s a long shot but check the metal coolant pipes on the subframe, these can rust badly and I have seen one spray coolant upwards towards the front of the engine block.

I'll look there also, Thanks.
What was your solution to your leaking metal O rings?
Were there any similarities with my symptoms?