Bloody coolant tank cap...

[Disco Muppet]

So, just come back to the D2 at uni and there's a large red puddle underneath.
I know the tank cap has been leaking, it appears I also failed to do it up properly.
Unfortunately it looks like it's been coming out while in motion, the underside is a lovely, drippy shade of pink.
Expansion tank is empty.
However, given the volume that's on the ground underneath it, it seems lost all the coolant with the motor running, which is something to be thankful for.
Fingers crossed a new cap and some coolant is all that's required, can't really afford to have done the HG :(

[rover-56]

I found that you can't leave the coolant cap loose or off - it just sprays coolant everywhere.
I have a slight seep in the rad head tank so I thought I would just leave the cap off to run unpressurised while I look into radiators. no way- I loose more coolant with the cap off than with the rad pressurised.
No I don't have head gasket leaks.
You probably don't have a problem.:)
Terry

[Disco Muppet]

Yup.
It's not the first time It's been low on coolant, there was SFA in the overflow tank when I got it, ran on straight water for a few weeks.... :eek:
Girlfriend is on the way with more Coolant, nothing for me to do but sit in the car and listen to Pavarotti.... :D

[schuy1]

And your low water alarm did what..............................?

[robbotd5]

A new expansion tank with cap would be the go. It's what i'd do. Check all your hoses too mate.
Regards
Robbo

[Collins]

It might pay to check that the return line spigot is not cracked at its junction with the tank. I had a continuing minor loss of coolant until I eventually replaced the tank.
There was a crack in the return line spigot, I assume due to pressure being applied via the return line when the coolant tank is lifted out of position for maintenance purposes.

[OffTrack]

And your low water alarm did what..............................?

That is a very, very good question!

[bob10]

The radiator bleed pipe, item no 29 on the RAVE cooling system component layout drawing is well known for hardening & cracking. Runs from the top right of the radiator, to the top of the coolant tank, next to the overflow pipe, under the shroud for part of the way. Bob

[Disco Muppet]

Okay boys, one at a time :p

1. NO LOW WATER ALARM.
Consider this worse than me not tightening the cap up, it is being rectified.

2. All the coolant hoses are fine, including the top one which was replaced not 10k ago.

3. I've had coolant weeps from the fuel cooler O-Rings, but sporadically. Trying to locate a source for some Viton O-Rings locally, none of the engineering shops really want to do anything about getting me some in.


Yesterday I went and had a look, the resevoir was low but far from empty, probably because I filled the tank while it was warm. Topped it up before uni, tightened the cap very securely, and drove to uni, caning it all the way. Level was dead on when I got there, not a drop after I returned to it after lectures, level still on the money when I got home.
Topped it up a little more to be safe, and pressure washed the entire car, including the engine bay and the underside, not a pink stain in sight.
If it's still leaking, I'll know about it ;)

[Yorkie]

i just replaced on of the oring at the front of my cooler, i have two spare. ;)

or for about $40 you can buy the orings and new jubilee clips on ebay locally, think roverlord in melb has them, the jubilee clips would have been very handy instead of reusing land rovers PITA clip. :D

[Disco Muppet]

Yep, I can't stand those clips.
Just went out and checked, stone cold level and it's right where it should be :)
Having a pressure washed engine bay sure helps :D

[Disco Muppet]

:mad::mad::mad:
:wallbash::wallbash::wallbash:
Bastard thing is still doing it.
But it's not spewing coolant like it was previously, more the occasional dribble as the pressure escapes through the stuffed tank cap.
Time to stop beating around the bush and get a new one methinks.

[Disco Muppet]

Anyone have any ideas for stopping it while I sort out a new one?
Is it possible to simply replace the O-Rings.
It hasn't lost much, maybe 3/4s of a cup over 60kms, being pushed out through the overflow pipe. I undid the cap to allow the pressure to escape so it's not pushing it out while I'm at uni.

[Yorkie]

just keep topping it up and keep a very close eye on it. not like the temps up your way are going to make it boil quickly.

[schuy1]

No low water alarm huh? :D Bad Muppet! (HeHe I knew you did not have 1, Was just making you feel bad :D )

[djam1]

Sounds like the first stages of a dowell /head gasket issue to me.

[Disco Muppet]

Don't say that :eek:
I don't think it is, never overheats, coolant level always steady (when I do the cap up properly) , no white smoke, no milky oil, none of the head gasket symptoms.
I did it up REALLY tight on the way home and it's not moved.
When you have a look at the cap, the interior section is worn and the O-rings aren't in good nick.
So I'm not overly concerned, anyway, if it is then it's a good opportunity for me to expand my mechanical knowledge :)
Always look on the brightside and all that :D

[ScotsD2]

Hi there the seals do get flattened causing some bypass new cap is best option as it is fitted with a valve that may also be on way out.

Here's the sizes of Viton seals
Upper ID 24mm 3mm thick
Lower ID 22m 3mm thick

They are nice and small and easy to keep as a spare part in car

Pete

[Disco Muppet]

Hi there the seals do get flattened causing some bypass new cap is best option as it is fitted with a valve that may also be on way out.

Here's the sizes of Viton seals
Upper ID 24mm 3mm thick
Lower ID 22m 3mm thick

They are nice and small and easy to keep as a spare part in car

Pete

Cheers mate, the one O-Ring is missing and the other is flatter than the Hay Plains :eek:
No wonder it's leaking.

[Yorkie]

Sounds like the first stages of a dowell /head gasket issue to me.

Or it could be a broken cap. :D bright side and all...;)

[Modelsp]

Muppet
Viton "O" rings readily available here in the 'Gong PM me the size you need and i can post them up to you.
cheers
Paul