406oc.co.uk

Hi, I've just picked up a 2000 406 lx hdi 110 and I'm having some problems with the coolant level.

The warning light was on when running the car so checked the level and sure enough couldn't see any water in the expansion tank so topped it up and the light went out, for about 30 mins.

The following day topped it up again and within 10 mins the light was back on and the water seemed to have gone, check the temp (90c) never seems to go any higher so kept driving, within about 5 mins of driving on the bypass at at around 80 the light when off again and stayed off until i came off the bypass and slowed down. took the car back up to about 60 on an A road (was a little heavy footed) and it went off again but sure enough as soon as i slowed down it came back on. No really sure what to do, cant see any leaking from the radiator, have check the oil and its not milky so don't think its the head gasket.

The car drives fine, pickup is good no smoke when accelerating so I'm a little stuck.

Oh... the coolant expansion tank is black so cant really see the water level but i keep filling it to the white level inside the tank, you can see if only with the cap off.

Any help would be fantastic.

Thanks,

John

Unfortunately whenever a HDi loses water like this is seems to be the head gasket. It's very rare but unless you're sure it's not leaking from the rad/hoses/water pump then it will be losing water through the head gasket.

A 'sniffer' test at a garage is a good start.

Also, check your coolant hoses aren't fit to burst under high pressure with the engine running - another sign that the HG is letting-by.

Thanks for the reply, I filled the coolant up again yesterday and couldnt see the level dropping when the car was just ticking over on the drive so took it out for 10 mins and checked again..... turns out the radiator has sprung a leak on one side.... very happy thats all it is !!!

Any one know why kind of price a replacment would be ?

Thanks,

John

Pattern ones from eurocarparts vary from £80 - £100.
I fitted one to my '96 petrol turbo; it's been in there a year and no probs so far

At the risk of being a nerdy can I just say to use caution when going for 'pattern' radiators, I have experience of one which wasn't up to the job and allowed the engine to run too hot sometimes.

The cheapest one isn't always the best, try and find an OE manufacturer like Valeo etc.

Welly wrote:At the risk of being a nerdy can I just say to use caution when going for 'pattern' radiators, I have experience of one which wasn't up to the job and allowed the engine to run too hot sometimes.

The cheapest one isn't always the best, try and find an OE manufacturer like Valeo etc.

Thinking about it I did get a Valeo from Euros.