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BIG O
8th March 2011, 10:49 AM
Looking around the exhaust manifold of my wifes 2003 TD5 yesterday, I noticed a small amount of glossy red substance. As I say small amount and I guess it to be coolant (pink OAT). Seems to be around the the water jacket plug on the head.
Anyone had this before?.
Not losing any coolant on the level in the header tank. Although it's near the exhaust manifold gasket on no4 and maybe no3, but not sure, I hope it's not the head gasket.
2003 engine, I beleive has steel locating dowls.
I'm not losing any noticable amount of coolant and haven't had to top up at all. No overheating guage stays in normal.
Could have been like this for some time by the look of the substance.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
crash
8th March 2011, 03:27 PM
They are known to leak, generally just a weep. Only way to get to them is with the exhaust manifold off. I think from memory you require a 22mm allen key to remove. If you are not losing noticeable fluid I would just keep an eye on it.
BIG O
9th March 2011, 08:48 AM
Thanks crash. Only a very small leak will keep an eye on it. Not keen on taking the exhaust manifold off yet in case it goes out of shape.
strangy
11th March 2011, 12:13 AM
When my plug leaked the coolant found its way down to the clutch. Every start was a significant clutch shudder till the car got warm and burnt off the coolant. Its not a big job to reseal it.

cheers
Fluids
11th March 2011, 05:53 PM
Mine has the same leak ... been there for the last 10,000km+ .... 250ml of coolant top up every 5000km ... nusiance value :(

Just keep an eye on the coolant level and be aware of it. I'll fix it when I have to take the exhaust manifold off ...

... and in the meantime, my enginesaver will alert me of any sudden coolant loss :)
bob10
12th March 2011, 07:32 PM
Thanks crash. Only a very small leak will keep an eye on it. Not keen on taking the exhaust manifold off yet in case it goes out of shape.

From what I have read on this forum, part of the solution of warped manifolds is taking off the manifold, and grinding out the "webs" between the exhaust ports.I dont think the manifold will warp when cold. Bob