Coolant Loss

[dipsomaniac]

Six weeks ago had waterpump changed as it was leaking. Since then have had to top up the coolant 3 times, 1 pint each time. Took the car back to Ford to check for other leaks but they could not find anything. There is no evidence of a problem with the headgasket. Has anyone got any ideas? Do you think it might just have been an air lock when the system was re-filled? Is it worth using a Bars product, if so pellet or liquid? One mechanic recommended pellet, the other liquid. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Topbloke]

it could have been a airlock but three pints is a little excessive it is a bit worrying though using that ammount of water,did the vehicle overheat prior to the water pump failure and was it leaking or just noisey . no point putting in a sealant if there is no water loss water only disappears two ways from an engine either leaks or it gets used internally (headgasket) and thence through the exhaust as steam. i would be inclined to use it but keep a close eye on the gauge at all times and the water level daily but don't get paranoid about it :lol:

[dipsomaniac]

Thanks for the reply Topbloke. The waterpump was leaking and hasn't overheated since I have had the car (10 months) as I have kept the coolant level topped up. There is no white smoke, no mayonnaise in the oil filler cap/on dipstick or pressure in the expansion tank. It is a bit of a mystery as prior to the new waterpump being fitted I actually saw the leak and Ford confirmed that the pump had been leaking. I really thought that the problem had been solved. I have just topped it up again today and will keep an eye on how much, if any is lost over time/mileage.

[Guest JIMSTDI]

i also think that 3 pints of water is a lot to be adding to your gal

if the airlock is the problem

 

also how is your heater,is it running nice and hot

[dipsomaniac]

Thanks JIMSTDI. Haven't used the heater in a while, I'll try it, but will probably loose a couple of stone if I put it on this time of year. Maybe that's not a bad idea as I have been drinking a few more Guinness lately.

[Guest nimrod]

3 pints is rather a lot! did they pressure test the coolant system when the had the car back?

another thing to check is the seal on the coolant expansion bottle, if this is perished or cracked it will allow the steam/vapour to leak and you may not see it!

also if your heater matrix is leaking you will not find the coolant only smell or taste it! stick the heater on full blast and see how it smells!

[Guest JIMSTDI]

lets hope they had the heater open when they refilled your cooling system

 

if not could account for a lot!!!!

[dipsomaniac]

Thank you all for your advice. Very helpful. I can only assume that Ford carried out a pressure test and had the heater open when they refilled the system? There is a smell coming from the heater at certain times but I thought that it was to do with the air con. I will investigate further and post back when I have found the problem. Thanks again.