Finding a coolant leak

Tesla · 27 Oct 2007 at 09:55

Hello, I think I have a coolant leak. There is usually a wet patch under the car. I thought it was the AC but even in this cold weather the wet is there so it must be some other fluid. It tastes like coolant so I am assuming it's that.

I have had a good look around and cannot see where the leak is coming from.

Are there any trips or techniques for finding the leaky pipe, joint etc.

Cheers,

Chris

SB118 · 27 Oct 2007 at 10:08

Put front of car on axles stands, then lay under the eninge watching where the fluid dips off, then follow it upwards to the point of the leak.

Always works for me.

Mark A · 27 Oct 2007 at 10:21

Ive noticed a pretty big wet patch under my car. It isn't coolant as the level never drops. The only thing i can think of is that its condensation dripping off or something.

ethos · 27 Oct 2007 at 10:54

Is it actually loosing coolant?

Check all bleed nipples etc for leaks...

Tesla · 27 Oct 2007 at 10:55

ethos said:
Is it actually loosing coolant?

Check all bleed nipples etc for leaks...

Yes I have had to top it up, I wasn't sure if it's leaking out of the lid though as steam. There is white crust (scale) around the lid and underside of bonnet.

Matt82 · 27 Oct 2007 at 11:33

or just leave news paper under it... you can see where its falling then

dalin80 · 27 Oct 2007 at 11:39

Aircon can be under even more load during the winter, its the fastest way of demisting the screen which a lot of new cars do pretty much automaticaly. the aircon on modern cars still gets used even if its only being fired now and then by the car to stop the oil seperating from the gas.

plus the air moisture causes even more to drip off the condensor.

DannyDan · 27 Oct 2007 at 11:59

Mine is still dripping too. I'm pretty sure it's aircon.

kitten_caboodle · 27 Oct 2007 at 12:03

see if you can put a piece of white paper underneath it (anchored by a rock or something) - from the colour you can usually tell whether it's water or something else.