Coolant low

[Kirsten]

Filling the screen wash [only thing I do under the bonnet-sorry] I noticed the red liquid [?coolant?] in the engine was below minimum. Onto Internet to find out how to top it up a -la -screen wash- argh ! it appears to be WAY more complicated- U tube shows draining engine- up on ramps- clips- tools needed. Is this necessary? **Not had an overheated engine when we were in Scotland 2 weeks ago - drove over 1000 miles ; dont think we have a coolant warning light and if we have it didnt come on. Fear the answer is take it to a garage - if so do we need one that can put it on ramps? Fiat Ducatto hymer 2008

** fear I know the answer...... if so is it a real problem to drive it without fixing it immediately ....
Thank you xx

 

[Richard n Ann]

Just unscrew the top and put about half a pint of water in... Usually anyway

 

[Kirsten]

REALLY ? wow that would be something even I can do ... Hooray xx

 

[Landy Andy]

For me. Just top up with neat coolant. OAT pink stuff

 

[tacr2man]

If you use just H20 remember to get strength checked prior to arrival of winter

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[Stroppy Bird]

And also keep an eye on the level after you have topped it up.

We had a very slow leak but there was no sign of it to be found anywhere - I only knew from regular checks of fluid levels that I had a leak somewhere. Turned out it was from the radiator and I only found it after one of the very irregular and slow drips dropped on my cheek as I was inspecting the sump pan after the garage had advised me to give it a coat of hammerite or similar to protect it.

 

[Kirsten]

Thank you all - will do as advised re checking and pre winter review. Will run engine tomorrow to see what the level is when it is hotter, as long as it gets us to Glastonbury and back we can face a trip to the garage if needed. Thanks again

 

[TerryL]

My coolant level seems to drop to just below the minimum (when cold) level but gets no lower. I've topped it up a couple of times but it's just gone back so I leave it, having a quick shufty when doing my usual pre-trip checks.

 

[pappajohn]

DON'T unscrew the cap with a hot engine unless there's a hospital accident and emergency dept nearby.

 

[Kirsten]

My coolant level seems to drop to just below the minimum (when cold) level but gets no lower. I've topped it up a couple of times but it's just gone back so I leave it, having a quick shufty when doing my usual pre-trip checks.

Hmmmn.. my pre trip checks are stocking the fridge and making sure we have wine.. oh dear !

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[Razamataz]

Hmmmn.. my pre trip checks are stocking the fridge and making sure we have wine.. oh dear !

thats my definitive number 1 priortity

 

[tonyidle]

And also keep an eye on the level after you have topped it up.

We had a very slow leak but there was no sign of it to be found anywhere - I only knew from regular checks of fluid levels that I had a leak somewhere. Turned out it was from the radiator and I only found it after one of the very irregular and slow drips dropped on my cheek as I was inspecting the sump pan after the garage had advised me to give it a coat of hammerite or similar to protect it.

Make yourself a pressure tester (a spare cap with a tyre valve fitted to it). The problem with minor leaks is that they dry as soon as the leak occurs & unless you spot staining can be near impossible to find. If you can pressurise with the engine cold leaks are much more (very!) obvious. Doing a pressure test finds a failed waterpump seal long before the pump bearings fail (for example).