Coolant loss (1 Viewer)

Feb 22, 2011
9,633
19,802
Newcastle under Lyme
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15,397
MH
Hymer B544 A Class
Exp
Since 2015
Topped up coolant a few weeks ago to the Max mark, looked today and level is below Min mark !
No leaks onto drive (or anywhere else apparent) and no milky residue on filler cap.
So where can it have gone ?
Done about 1,500 miles since topping up.
It`s a 2003 2.8 JTD Ducato 55k and seems to be running sweetly.
TIA
 

Allanm

Free Member
Jun 30, 2013
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Cotes d'armor, France
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Burstner Harmony TI 736 G
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Since 1987
Maybe just a loose pipe clip allowing coolant to weep out under pressure. It usually evaporates away without leaving much of a trace, but a good look ( with a torch) might show up some staining.
 
Oct 1, 2013
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Lanzarote
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Nil by mouth
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Lots
Have you looked behind the sofa ?

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pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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Could be going anywhere......porous radiator core, loose or perished hoses, porous heater matrix, water pump spindle seal, faulty system filler cap.

Only effective way is a cooling system pressure tester (saves getting burnt on hot metal parts), a good torch and very good eyesight.....preferable on flexible stalks..
 
Aug 18, 2014
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Lorca,Murcia,Spain
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32,898
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Transit PVC
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16 years since restarting
Took me ages to find the leak on mine. It turned out to be the pump seal weeping a tiny amount when cold. When it was hot it sealed perfectly & when warm level was perfect, but left overnight there would be a tiny amount on the inside of the undertray below the pump which at first was thought to be condensation.
As others have said could be any joint, + don't forget the inside ones connecting the heater.
 

Techno

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You should ONLY FILL to the MINIMUM mark with a cold engine. The Max mark is with engine hot. If you over filled it it has probably blown off at high pressure.

This is why it is called an expansion tank

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Last edited:
OP
OP
Figaro
Feb 22, 2011
9,633
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Newcastle under Lyme
Funster No
15,397
MH
Hymer B544 A Class
Exp
Since 2015
Thanks guys, I'll fill to Minimum as it's a bit below that and see if level stays static.
If I'm still losing fluid, will a pressure test id source of leak and can any decent garage do it?
 
Apr 12, 2013
1,068
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Shrewsbury
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25,496
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Carthago 144
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12
I don't know about your 2.8 ducato engine, but mine has a metal pipe running across the top of the engine and as I was loosing coolant ( could smell it ) I found it had two cracks, common problem apparently . A friend of mine brazed both ends and has been fine since. You could buy a new pipe for £125 from your friendly fiat dealer if its the problem.
 
Jul 11, 2009
330
764
Basingstoke
Funster No
7,443
MH
Concorde Compact
Exp
Since I was 18.... 1996....
My 2.8 jtd has a slight leaking metal pipe across the engine at the top. I have been keeping an eye on it. ..

I have bought 2 meters or rubber pipe to replace it with p clips.

Replacing like for like I think same would happen again.

Advice I was give by a fiat tech was to dump it but in mean time unbolt it and cable tie it loosely in place so it can move and no stress on the joints. The gearbox end mountain bracket shears this stresses the cam belt end and make it leak

Daniel

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OP
OP
Figaro
Feb 22, 2011
9,633
19,802
Newcastle under Lyme
Funster No
15,397
MH
Hymer B544 A Class
Exp
Since 2015
Ok, drove 40 miles today to a site in beautiful Shropshire and had a noticeable coolant loss on arrival. Had a look for leaks but none apparent but then it is like surveying a house by looking through the letter box !
Do any funsters have any ideas how I can find where the leak is ?
What does a pressure test show, just if there is a leak or not ?
The engine runs well and there is no milky residue on the oil filler cap.
Thanks
Chris
 

MikeD

Free Member
Dec 21, 2011
3,936
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IH PVC
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A old mechanic once told me to get the engine nice and hot and look for steam after dark using a torch. I have not tried it but maybe it works. (y)
 
Jan 28, 2008
10,104
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Dovercourt, Harwich, UK
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1,353
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Renalt burstner
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7 years campers before that
i would get under neath with a good light and look for traces of water around the bottom of the engine rad etc you can often find the track even when dry
 

Techno

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It's called Paraflu as recommended by Fiat
This is original equipment.


Paraflu Up

A concentrated protective fluid for radiators. It is a Mono-ethylene Glycol base fluid, formulated with organic inhibitors based on O.A.T. (Organic Acid Technology). Also suitable for professional use. Paraflu Up is a specific protective fluid for the cooling systems that contain innovative light alloy materials.

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Last edited:

pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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The normal operating pressure is around 15psi...some higher, some lower.
A pressure tester is merely a sealed pump which replaces the radiator/expansion tank cap with which you can exceed the normal pressure when cold.
A higher pressure will obviously eject fluid in higher quantity making the leak easier to find...without getting burnt on a hot engine while hunting the leak down.
As a last resort, stick in a quality rad sealer....not the best option but sometimes the only option.
 

Jaws

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Sep 26, 2008
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Thetford Norfolk
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C class, Chieftain
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since 2006 ( I think ! )
That pipe mentioned above.. Mine went as well.. replaced with a bit of rubber heater hose to ensure no further issues.. It was still on there when I sold the van a couple of years later :)
 

rupert

Funster
Nov 23, 2014
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caravaning on and off 10 years
i'd guess water pump seal never any trace of water cos it evaporates so quick on hot engine
cold pressure test is best way forward

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