Technical Cooling System Problem Punto 60SX 1999

[andyr]

Hi everyone. I have a Fiat Punto 60SX 1.2 1999 40k miles . Just Lateley it has developed a problem with me having to top up the radiator after nearly every trip but I cannot see any leaks anywhere and the temperature guage is staying around the normal halfway mark.

I have already changed the thermostat thinking it might be that but it is still loosig water somewhere!!!

Any Ideas Anyone?

Andy.

 

[SpunkyM]

If it is leaking coolant you are unlikely to see it when the engine is cold. You need to take the car out for a good thrash and then return home and let it idle on the driveway until the radiator fan comes on (also make sure the heater is set to hot).

This is the point at which the cooling system is under the most pressure and any leaks will be evident. Don't forget that the leak could be inside the car on the heater matrix so check the carpets etc for dampness. Also pay attention to the expansion bottle filler cap - the valves on these can go dodgy and vent steam/water.

If you still can't find anything it could be that your head gasket is leaking and the water is being evaporated in the combustion chambers. If it's severe you will notice steam in the exhaust and also possibly a grey coloured sludge in your engine oil (check the underside of the oil filler cap for signs). New head gasket is a quite an expensive job though I'm afraid so hopefully not that.

Cheers,
Spunky.

SpunkyM...
Fiat Coupe 20VT, Bailey DV, K&N panel, PBV @ 1.1bar.

 

[HP]

Have to agree with the reply - My Cinq was losing about a pint of water a fortnight and there was no obvious signs where it was going - I did compression tests and everything you could think of, until I found it sitting like a sad little baby in a puddle of wee in Asda's car park.
Radiator was holed.

Pete.
Cinq sporting
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/