Technical What level does your coolant stay at?

[rubadub80]

So I had the timing belt and water pump on the bravo changed last October. Around February the water pump began to leak, so the garage had it back and changed it again with another pump and belt kit.

All seemed good but then after a week I noticed coolant coming from the screw on a metal rail under the engine cover. I tightened it up and sealed it and no more coolant loss from here.

But....when I top the coolant bottle up to the max line, after going for a drive it always drops and has lost coolant from somewhere. The coolant level will keep at just below min and not move anymore. This can't be right can it? I can't see any noticeable leaks so where is it going? I've checked the oil and it looks fine.

Any ideas on what's going on? Or where does your coolant level rest? Any advice would be great.

 

[Matthen]

My coolant pisses out of the connection with the top hose & thermostat;

I have noticed that it's far worse when the coolant tank is full than it is when it's at half (I keep it topped up well above min).

If I were you I'd look every where for the tell tale pink deposits - check the pipes around the radiator etc; there will be a leak somewhere.

 

[rubadub80]

Sorry for the late reply to this. Was having a look over the weekend but couldn't see anything.

I work at a college and have just got it seen to by the motor vehicle department. They've done a pressure test and said its leaking from a gasket that goes directly to the head at the front of the engine.

I think this sounds like the exact same place as yours?

 

[Matthen]

Could be, hard to tell from your description. The join mine leaks at is between the thermostat and pipe - I don't believe there is a gasket there.

That reminds me, I really must get it sorted.

 

[rubadub80]

Yeah I should've took a picture. It's on the left hand side, just under the engine cover.

I see you're also in Norwich. I'll see what astronomical price desira want and take it from there. It might also be the same part that the Vauxhalls use, so will look into it as it might be cheaper

 

[Matthen]

Yeah, i've been using a mechanic in Wymondham; Going to try the fiat specialist across town next, sick of losing the car for a day and them failing to stop the drip!

I use Shop4Parts or euro car parts, I wouldn't bother with Desira!

 

[rubadub80]

Yeah desira was silly prices. I did use Alfa shop a few years back, was pretty good. There's another fiat specialist behind him too