Loss of water

[simonhbanks]

I am loosing water from my M Traveller but can't find where it is leaking. Left standing the water will slowly drain from the red but there is no indication where it is leaking from. Anybody got any ideas how 'i can trace it?

[Shropshiremoggie]

Presume the water is appearing under the car ?

[mogbob]

The usual places are the joins of the rubber hoses and heater hoses , occasionally the rubber hose itself starts to perish. Under pressure the gaps will open up , leaking water. Engine cools down , small holes close up.
If the hoses are sound tightening up the jubilee clips sometimes fixes it.
A hole in the radiator , sometimes rusting through other times a stone chip piercing the cooling fins.
Start your search at the top of the system , the water always runs / drains to the lowest point and might be some way away from the puddle.
A good torch, small mirror and kitchen roll will assist you. Use the paper on the unseen runs of pipework. A damp patch will soon have you locating the source. Another dodge is to spread Talcum powder around the joins. If a leaks is present the powder will go damp.
Do the search systematically , top down , going the entire length of pipework. Top hose , bottom hose ,heater hoses , flow and return ,
around the thermostat housing and don't forget the radiator hose itself. Sometimes the rubber seal is knackered. If an overflow bottle has been fitted by a PO check the pipe is Ok and that the plastic bottle isn't split. Not leaking around the radiator drain tap ? Take care with the drain tap , they are not very robust and any attempt at tightening could well end in disaster and produce a serious leak !
Bob

[palacebear]

Also, dont forget the tiny by-pass hose (between top of water pump and cylinder head). Check for leakage from the water-pump itself as well. If your engine has one, the cylinder block drain tap (back of cylinder block same side as carburettor) is a less-likely possibility.

[oliver90owner]

If you are unable to trace this leak, get some flourescent dye and add to coolant. The leak can then be traced using a suitable search light. That is what the professionals would use.

[ManyMinors]

Also, dont forget the tiny by-pass hose (between top of water pump and cylinder head). Check for leakage from the water-pump itself as well. If your engine has one, the cylinder block drain tap (back of cylinder block same side as carburettor) is a less-likely possibility.

This is quite a favorite. Also, the core plugs in the engine block are a possibility. I would put some paper under the engine when the car is standing and you'll hopefully see damp marks or stains on it.

[paul 300358]

Are the carpets dry?

[Shropshiremoggie]

Hence my earlier post about where the lost coolant is appearing !! Have to say my favourite would be the by-pass hose !