Hi Everyone,

I have a 2002 XC70 Petrol and I have a coolant leak (I think).

Basically the coolant level warning light came on, but I checked and the level looked OK so I assumed it was a faulty sensor. I ordered the sensor, but having gone to fit it I noticed that the level is now in fact low.

I have checked the oil and so far it looks clean. Checked foot wells for dampness and it is all dry. I only needed about 150ml to top up the level so I haven't lost loads but I am assuming it is a head gasket.

Given that I have not lost much water I am assuming I have caught it early or it is a minor leak and I am wondering if I can use one of these sealant additives to try to fix the problem. Has anyone tried these before are they a bad idea? Any input gratefully received.

Thanks

Steve

 

Hi stevieboy other than the loss of coolant loss what makes you suspect head gasket, check with your local garage and see if they have coolant tester to check if any gases are in the cooling system, then have it pressure tested, if you do want to try a sealant then K-seal is a very good product.

 

Do you have a garage?
Park it hot over some paper or a clean floor and leave it overnight to show any drips.

It may easily be from a failing hose clamp, radiator or water pump lab seal too.
No need to assume the worst, as above really.

Ove the years I have experienced all of these, plus leaking core plugs and spray from a split hose that was so fine it vaporised and left no trace.
Only a rusty stain gave it away many months later. Some leaks happen when cooling down and never during use

 

Yeah - keep an eye on it for now. When did you last top up the coolant? It might be nothing.

It could even be a weeping water pump, which you'll struggle to see.

 

check the oil for mayo effect
you can smell a blown gasket and generally when there is pressure in the coolant it will heat up and blow a pipe

probably a minor leak

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Actually we have had a load of trouble with this car recently and the oil system has had a top to bottom refurb over the last few months so I am assuming the worse simply because that is the next weakest link! My mechanic said that most of the issues we have seen appear to be because at some point in it's life it went a very long time without an oil change.

As I say the oil looks clean so at the moment it does not look like it is the head gasket or not yet at least. I have only had to top up around 150ml of water so far so we will see if that drops.

Parking in the Garage over some paper is a good plan, see if there are any drips, will try that. Will have a good visual inspection also.

Thanks

 

If it persists, add a fluorescing dye to the coolant as used by many OEMs.
Then you can run a UV lamp over the engine and spot any odd leaks.
Ring and Vauxhall used to sell over the counter in many shops for example.

Steve

 

If it's recently had a major rebuild, it could even be the result of air locks escaping from an incorrectly-bled HVAC or something.