Arrgh coolant leak arrgh - please help

[sirex]

Bugger it, today my car started pissing coolant all over the road. I quickly took it to the mechanic, who diagnosed the problem to a cracked over-flow tank, he did not know the cost but guessed $150-$300, +$80 to fit and flush coolant.

So in the morning I am off to find a coolant tank and with the help of a mate we will fit it and flush the radiator. Anyway, what I am after is where abouts is the radiator drain plug? What type of coolant do you recommend? But most importantly how much coolant do I need, (it’s something like 2l coolant and 2l water)? Anyone got a brief “how to” guide or things to take into consideration?

Cheers

Matt :D

[Pernod]

Man thats a huge amount!

I've never done my lantis, but I would guess the radatior drain plug will be somewhere along the bottom edge of the radiator (it always is).

The radiator has a pressure valve in the cap. If the pressure builds up to much in the radiator (probably due to overheating), then the valve lets some water out into the overflow bottle to release the pressure.
Once the pressure drops it sucks more water back in from the overflow bottle.

If the overflow bottle is cracked, it should only let out what is in the bottle (which is technically 'extra' anyway).
If any more than this is coming out of the radiator then it is probably a bigger problem than that.

In the meantime you can use any bottle of any kind as a reserve (just a coke bottle etc) as it is not ment to hold any sort of pressure (as that would defeat the purpose).

I hope this makes sense..

to answer the other Q's, I normally splash out and get a decent coolant from repco or similar. Most bottles will have the required mix of coolant/water on the back of them. I used to run 60:40 Coolant to water when I was in chch, but i run a slightly lower mix up here as it isn't as cold around Wellington :wink:

Give me a call on 021 42 42 51 if you have any other q's.

[Cosmo Dude]

I'd replace the tank and fill it hith H2O, any air in the cooloing system will quickly be expelled.

It is better to have too much glycol in the mix than too little, I normaly buy a 5 litre bottle, keep 500ml for later, drain the demainder into the car and top with water.
Place the 500ml back into the container and mix to the recomended level, now you've got some spare for minor up-sets.

:!: Remember coolant is a poison, and is sweet :!:
Animals may drink it if not disposed of carefully

Rod

[Cosmo Dude]

:oops: Remove the lower radiator hose to empty if all else fails.

Rod

[Toyboy]

I use castrol anti freeze/anti boil in mine,i use a half/half mix which is recommended for total protection :P
Not sure how much the cooling system holds,have a look in your manual that come with the car if you have it :)
Heres a link on how to flush your radiator system

http://www1.excite.com/home/info/learn2/tutorials_qa_overview/0,14899,auto_714_0,00.html

And remember the overflow bottle is strictly for coolant only,which will eventually get mixed anyway :wink:

cheers :D

[sirex]

Arrgh bugger it, there was nothing wrong with the bloody tank, for some reason it was over flowing though! Anyways, the radiator is all nicely flushed with brand new coolant, YAY :D

[MrShadow]

Shads had the same problem. Check your raditor tank (top) for a small crack. Also check the radiator cap.

[Pernod]

Also, check the radiator cap.

As this is designed to keep a certain pressure, if the cap is worn, it will release water into the overflow at a lower pressure.

They aren't alot to replace and can save from tears down the track.

[Toyboy]

They recommend that you change your Radiator Cap once a year which will keep ya outta trouble :P Prevention is better than cure :wink:

[Cosmo Dude]

Good time for a flush anyway. Try Mazda for the cap, they have temps just like thermostats, the auto shop will sell you a generic at your risk :!:
How are your fanbelts looking?
Is your heater working well?

Don't want to spook you, just exploring all avenues.

Rod