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Modern 1.8 Zaffira coolant loss - any ideas I`m stumped

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 7:54 pm
by megadethmaniac
2005 car, low miles, 82k but has a habit of getting through its coolant.

Not much 1/8- 1/4" per day, but more than I like.... They should not loose coolant at all...

Recently changed the header tank as it was a bit damp around there and now all seems ok, but coolant still disappearing... Tried rad weld ( or similar Worth?) and that slowed it down for 3-4 months but now returned. All obvious hoses appear dry as does the passenger compartment.

No signs of chg failure oil lovely and clear, fresh as it was 6 months ago when it was added (3-4k ago) although I think there is now a slight oil leak- could that be connected?

Thanks

Re: Modern 1.8 Zaffira coolant loss - any ideas I`m stumped

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 10:12 pm
by JPB
My first move would be to get the cooling system pressure tested. Check in particular the seal between the coolant gallery in the inlet manifold and the cylinder head as these have been known to leak there between an inlet branch and the coolant, which may be detectable as excess water vapour in the exhaust but may not be noticed at all in the case of a small loss.
For the time being, treat the oil leak s a separate issue to be investigated once the cooling system is sorted.

Re: Modern 1.8 Zaffira coolant loss - any ideas I`m stumped

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 8:10 am
by gazza82
I would look at the radiator. My '98 Alfa suffered from this and turned out the rad was corroded behind the a/c condenser unit so couldn't be seen. When we took it out, I was surprised the bottom of the core hadn't already fallen off! Most modern rads have a life of 6-7 years. Mine had three from new ...

And rad weld just shortens their life as it clogs the fine waterways ... if it stopped it for a short period, that's probably a sign it is now due to be replaced.

Re: Modern 1.8 Zaffira coolant loss - any ideas I`m stumped

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 6:46 pm
by TerryG
I had a similar issue on my focus a few years ago, there was a weep when at temperature from an o ring where the heater hose joined the thermostat housing.
Are you losing water while the car is standing or just while driving?

Re: Modern 1.8 Zaffira coolant loss - any ideas I`m stumped

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 7:33 pm
by megadethmaniac
Not sure to be honest, Mrs Car so its pretty much out when I leave in the morning and been parked up for a few hours when I`m home. However returned home early and I`ve just looked and there is a drip on the floor around the bumper. Its a bit gloopy and doesn`t smell like oil. Its where a member comes out to support the bumper. Guess what - its full of pinky orange sludge. New Rad I think. Well called Gazza