mystery coolant loss....

[Mactype]

I have a problem with a mystery coolant loss in the 5.

Can't see any leaks, the drop in level appears to be sporatic but if its a hot day and the car is stuck in traffic 2 times out of 3 the coolant is low when I get home.

All hoses in the engine bay are new, so I'm presuming its radiator or heater related.

I've also noticed a coolant smell when you park the car after driving it, although can't smell it in the cabin so maybe that rules out the heater core.

Any thoughts? (I've thought a match might be good, last few months have been a bit of a pain with it).

[Rotary]

on a previous car i had(92 Tx5) the plastic end tanks on the radiator cracked and did not always leak nor visibly look cracked, but would drible a few drops when i moved it around.
maybe a similar issue that leaks when pressure builds up, just check everywhere possible for a leak to rule out an engine related matter.
Matt.

[93_Clubman]

might be a pipe securing clip - had the same thing in terms of smell of coolant & slight drop in expansion tank coolant level - pipes were ok, rad was ok, & likewise exp tank - then I noticed there was a slight seepage from where the top rad pipe connects to the thermostat housing - tighten or replaced the clip & no more coolant loss or smell.

[JBT]

You need to get a pressure test.

[feel_ixx]

Radiator cap loose / crap??

[Mactype]

thanks, I'll have a look see over the weekend.

Parked it two weeks ago in disgust (aren't relationships with your car a love/hate affair )

[bruce]

I would get the car warm, park it with the bonnet up and sit there and watch it. I reckon you would see or smell the leaks.

[OMY005]

My water pump sporadically leaked before I replace it. It would go for weeks without anything then one day I noticed a small puddle of coolant on the ground. Then nothing for a few more weeks.

Andrew.

[Locutus]

my car had the same symptoms over the past couple of months.

a few weeks ago i finally had it checked out - turned out that the thermostat housing gasket/seal was leaking. problem with a coolant leak is that there are so many possible places it could be, it's hard to track down unless you sit there and watch it or get it pressure tested.

[Spranga]

Any coffee like goo in the oil = head gasket?