(G) Mysterious Coolant Loss (1.4 8v)

After stopping for petrol and whilst waiting to pay I noticed a steady drip-drip from under the front of the car and when I got back to it and investigated, it was coolant. I was close to home so decided to get it on the drive before I had a proper look.

By the time I got home the drip had stopped and coolant was just above minimum level in the expansion tank.

There are signs that it might have been dripping from where the top hose connects with the radiator but there hasn't been any further loss. The engine had really only just about got upto temperature when it happened.

Has anybody had similar problems? The car is 61 plate, 12,000 miles and all hoses etc are in good condition.

Strange.

Try to post some pics ? No coolant on the gearbox ?

There isn't really anything to photograph now. The puddle was directly below the radiator on the passenger side of the car and it was dripping rather than spraying.

I'll have to keep a close eye on it. It's happened once so will probably happen again and it's one of those things that might be a b***er to track down.

Okay. Keep us informed

Have the cooling system pressurized at a workshop.
It will be clear where the coolant will leak out, and you ( they) can fix it.
Don't wait until it happens at 11 at night on a remote, dark road or something...!!

if your sure its the clip / hose leaking and decide to replace it with a jublie clip do not over tighten it as its a plastic spigot on the radiator

Good point, I'll do that. I'm hoping the warranty will cover it. Cheers!

This coolant leak is very baffling. I did a test today to replicate the conditions from yesterday.

It doesn't leak when the car is sitting on the drive (or anywhere) cold. It doesn't leak when first cold started, but if you stop the car and turn off the engine just as it is reaching operating temperature coolant fairly trickles from the top hose radiator connection, when the hose is still cool to the touch. Start the car and get it properly warmed up by driving for a while and it stops leaking.

I wonder if it is somehow thermostat related?

Anyway it is going in tomorrow for inspection, although I am not confident a pressure test will find the problem.

I'm almost certain it will.

The coolant temperature raise and stay at middle temp on the dashbord ? If this is the case, this can not be the thermostat.

But I dont understand your leak too...

We can assume than when engine is cold, pressure is low in water circuit.
When temparature rises, presssure rises in water cirtcuit and leak start at radiator.
BUT, when radiator and his hose is hot, dilatation makes that the leak don't exist anymore...

By the way, it is only a theory

I think it's a good theory. The garage has found a small split in the hose where it connects to the radiator and have had to order a new hose which will come tomorrow, so hopefully that will be it sorted.