Coolant vanishing

T

TommyGG

Member
Been topping up coolant 50/50 mix, and after hardly any miles coolant light back on and coolant looks empty when I check it the next morning! Done this like three times now.

A couple of weeks back my gf commented on how much exhaust was coming out and it looked thick white smoke, far more than any other car around me. I put it down to cold weather but reading online looks like it could be a symptom.

What should I be looking for? Is it ok to drive if I keep topping it up for now? Seems to drive fine, coolant light does go off after it warms up a bit. Engine temp stays mid dial when driving.
 
Last top up took 1 litre coolant. Also some issues with air com blowing cold when set to hot randomly. Bit worried about gasket.
 
Expansion tanks are known to crack so check that. Otherwise get it looked at before you do cause some damage.
 
Head gasket is a possibility, albeit unlikely. Also, wrong time of year to do a basic head gasket check by looking for yellowish sludge under the filler cap. Cold weather and short journeys in the winter will cause this anyway (mine currently has it as it does every winter and I've had it for 5 years).

Have you checked for leaks, under the car, around the radiator etc. Can you smell coolant once the car is hot?
 
As above, lift car up to jack stands. Remove splash guard plastic. Inspect radiator, hoses and expansion tank for leaks.
My Z was leaking from bottom coolant hose temp sensor o-ring..
 
I'd bet my last pound on it being the expansion tank.
it's a right twat to spot it actually leaking, but like the above member says, look for water on the splash guard ;)
 
Took to indie garage and they fixed it I think! Big obvious crack in sensor or something. He also replaced two bts under there.

He did mention also small radiator crack. Not big and ok for now but should get it replaced soonish which I will.

Aircon turns on hot now!
 
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