I seem to have a Radiator leak on my car. I topped the coolant tank up to the full level, and went for a short drive. When I returned home the coolant tank was at its minimum level. I had a new Mazda Radiator fitted two years ago. I cant see any obvious leaks.
Note: My car is fitted with a Radiator grill to prevent stone damage.
Anyone any ideas?
Thanks,
Roger
What led you to top the coolant tank up in the first place? Has it not been checked for ages or did it’s level drop suddenly? There are many places that the coolant could be leaking from, it’s a case of visually inspecting the cooling system for a leak. The ideal is to get a cooling system pressure tester to pressurise the cooling system and check for leaks without the engine running. How handy are you around engines?
Robbie, Thanks for your help. I always check coolant oil etc on a regular basis, I noticed a drop from full to minimum on the tank. Yesterday I ran the engine longer, and I have spotted some coolant pooling at the bottom of the Radiator. I am a post production engineer not an auto engineer, so my knowledge is limited on cars. I will try to lay my hands on a cooling system pressure tester to check where exactly the leak is coming from. Thanks again for your advice.
Roger
Can you get a photo of the pooling?
It could be coming from the water pump weep hole. If the bearing is on its last legs, coolent will drip down the front of the engine block usually dripping from the ‘U’ shaped aluminium part behind the dampener pulley. Is it a long time since the water pump was changed?
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Jacob,
The Water Pump is original from 1997, I have had a closer look and I think your theory is correct.
The Radiator is original Mazda and only two years old.
I have booked the car in with my friendly Mechanic as this is something I can`t sort out.
Thanks you for your help,
Roger