I've had the Roadster just over a year now. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that the coolant was on the minimum line on the expansion tank.
First I checked the oil (Eek!
), fearing the worst, but it's OK.
So I added some (recommended) antifreeze to bring the coolant to the half way point, and marked the level on the expansion tank with some translucent lens repair tape......
Red for the minimum level, and orange for half way between min and max.
I've never suffered hot running, and the temp is rarely over 90degreesC. When I first 'checked it over' - a year ago, there was a small drip (not me I might add) on the 'heat exchanger' above the oil filter. I tightened the hoses and that was fixed.
Over the recent Curborough weekend I did 280 miles, and once cool, the level had dropped about 1mm. It would not have been noticeable had I not marked it. So I went underneath with a torch, and found what is best described as a tiny 'damp patch' on the bottom offside corner of the radiator. It's so small that there is no drip onto the floor, and is on the side reinforcement bracket. So there must be a 'pinhole' somewhere. You can just make out a tiny drop of water in the next picture..........it's right on the corner of the bracket.
The obvious solution to this is to drop the radiator and have it repaired. Or better still get a Mulfab alloy replacement.....if I could squeeze that one past MrsW.
But that's a lot of work when it's been Ok for a year.................
I wondered whether to leave it for now and keep an eye on the level OR put some Bars Leaks in the system. I appreciate that there are differing views on cooling system sealants, but I've used Bars over the years without problem. Anyway I posed this question on Mogtalk, and the consensus was to try K-Seal.
http://www.kalimex.co.uk/section.html? It arrived this morning so I got to work..........first I drained some coolant from the radiator using the drain tap into an ice cream container. This is with everything cold.
Next I removed the radiator cap. This needs a good grip as it doesn't have the usual wings and is stiff to loosen.
Here's the product with the information sheet, and a reminder what the recommended Ford antifreeze looks like.
And here it goes, looking like Tapioca pudding (or worse)......
The colour is a good match for the bonnet tape!
All that remained was to top up the coolant, and run the engine to full temperature. It took a long time before the thermostat opened and the bottom hose got hot. The tiny damp patch has gone (for now), so we'll see how things progress.
