Coolant Level

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jamespope
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Coolant Level

Post by jamespope » Mon Jan 29, 2018 2:35 pm

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone has come across similar issue to one i'm having at the moment.

I've recently had a new fuel cooler fitted as some corroded hose tails on the old one were causing a slow coolant leak. Since the repair has been completed, I get a low coolant level message on the dash - when (and only when) I've put my foot on the floor for a bit. The message then clears after 2 or so minutes of normal driving.

I've read all about this longstanding issue with the float in the coolant bottle, but I can't see that being the issue with it only happening when I put my foot down, and then clearing again - i.e. presumably a sunk float would stay sunk.

There is plenty of coolant in the system by the way - if anything its a bit overfilled.

Anyone come across anything similar?

I'm going to short the sensor out tonight and give it a blast on the motorway to see if i can rule out a wiring issue but otherwise i'm at a loss. Next step would be to see if I can wedge a go-pro in there somewhere to keep an eye on the actual coolant level to make sure its not dropping below the minimum for some reason.

Cheers in advance

James



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Re: Coolant Level

Post by mick_n3 » Tue Jan 30, 2018 12:47 am

Faulty sensor in expansion tank.
I had the same problem I'm now on my second tank in six months



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Re: Coolant Level

Post by Globetrotter » Fri Feb 02, 2018 6:24 am

When you "floor" it the water pump circulates the water more and if there is a air pocket the coolant level will go down as soon as you take your foot off the level will come back up. It is possible that you need to bleed the system well to remove all air that is trapped.



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Re: Coolant Level

Post by jamespope » Fri Feb 02, 2018 7:28 am

I had wondered about air in the system, i'll have a look on the web for bleed procedures and give it a go - thanks for the suggestion.



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Re: Coolant Level

Post by Bodsy » Fri Feb 02, 2018 8:22 pm

It’s just the water flow is more when you accelerate, so with a porous ‘float’ it’s sinking already and then sinks more when the water forces it to.

Only fix is replacement coolant bottle.


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Re: Coolant Level

Post by jamespope » Mon Feb 05, 2018 8:36 am

Right - Thanks Bodsy, new bottle it is then

James



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Re: Coolant Level

Post by PillowSmuggler » Tue Feb 06, 2018 1:34 pm

James, last time I changed my bottle I used some hose clamps and didn't drain the rest of the engine. It's an option, just thought i'd mention it.


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Re: Coolant Level

Post by jamespope » Wed Feb 07, 2018 7:42 am

Thanks Dom!

I was planning something along those lines, its probably inevitable that it will get a 'gulp' of air in one of the hoses in the process though - hence my reading up on bleeding procedures. By the sounds of it I just need to:

- Refill the bottle
- start car and let it get up to temperature (doing the 1 min at 3000rpm, 5 min at idle etc etc routine)
- Take the cap off the coolant bottle (very carefully)
- refill as needed

Might video the whole affair and stick on you tube for posterity's sake. Or at least so there's a record of my death.

Cheers,

James



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Re: Coolant Level

Post by anglefire » Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:59 am

That sounds about right - bleed screw may need to be opened on top of the engine if you loose alot - but if its only a bit, I wouldn't even bother with the revvy bit - just drive it and check the level regularly until you are happy.

Last time I had to fill mine was 6000' up a mountain after the top spider decided to split at 8000' - Added a couple of gallons of water/antifreeze did the bleed procedure and all was well again!


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