Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Plus Four, Supersport & Plus Six (CX & CXV Generation Vehicles) Plus Four coolant leak

Having driven some 2500 miles in my MY 22 Plus Four, and having had the swirl pot mod, I had hoped I would not suffer from coolant leaks. Sadly, today I have to report that as I pulled into my driveway, the coolant system let go in a big way and deposited more than a gallon of green coolant all over my drive and garage floor. Not a drip, more like a steady flow. I have informed my dealer to collect. Lucky it is not my everyday car and lucky it happened at my house. This should not happen to a modern new car.

Sorry to read that, your right it should not happen to modern new car.
Hope you get it fixed soon as.

Derek, sorry to hear about your coolant leak, it is very upsetting and I understand how you must be feeling. It may not be the radiator, but a hose or similar. I believe most of the CX radiator leaks start with slow drips rather than a sudden gushing?. Our two radiator failures just showed very slow water loss followed by a slow drip on the nearside front of the car.

Our two radiator failures were similar -drip , drip followed by bigger puddle on garage floor - I suggest a pipe was poorly reconnected. But, you’re right , it just should not happen, particularly given the cost and “quality handmade manufacture” of the current cars.

Silicone hoses (if used) seem to be harder to get a water tight joint with. I had various attempts at stopping slight weep on bottom hose extension (which employed same) after fitting new aluminium rad. Eventually sorted by doubling up on hose clips.

Update, though I only reported the problem to my dealership yesterday (a Sunday), the dealer principle replied immediately by email and the recovery truck was on its way to me first thing this morning. Excellent service. The dealership? Williams Automobiles. Thank you Henry and Tony.

I understand there is a new radiator available and a radiator MAP. I have asked for both, even if the problem is 'just' a hose.

Update on my coolant leak. It will need a new radiator as there was a small leak from it. However, the main cause of the incontinence was a hose that parted company from the system as the retaining strap (a spring clip) gave way. It (& others) will be replaced by better quality retaining bands (jubilee clips?) Is this is typical of Morgan using cheap components. If so, silly really as that is not cost effective.

Ahh yes, the old chesnut of just about ok quality.. Designed by engineers and then costed down by accountants to max profit . I am sure Henry and Tony will retrofit better clips when the radiator is replaced... I assume you will be getting the ECU flash as well. From my understanding of the BMW engine fitted in the Plus Six the ECU controls the flow of coolant around the engine Block/Cylinder head/Turbo and then onward to radiator via one main rotary valve and a smaller secondary valve, BMW engineered this way to allow the engine to meet the latest emisssion standards at cold startup. Our Plus Six ECU has been reflashed by Williams ( together with another new radiator fitted ), the engine heat up from cold now seems a lot more progressive on the temp display, previously it stayed at cold a long time then suddenly went to operating temp, now it steadily warms up on the gauge. IF as Morgan had let slip the issue is Thermal shock to the radiator, then the reflash may well be the answer. I assume the BMW 4 cylinder engine fitted in the Plus Four operates its coolant control in a similar manner to the Plus Six as they are of the same family of engines.

My Plus Four will be delivered back tomorrow with a new improved radiator. Must ask what the improvement is.