6 replies to this topic

[maccers]

I've a strong coolant smell in the car (for the past 2 or 3 years) but never really bothered to check, the coolant level never moved so assume it was just the smell from the pipes somehow. I am using MS silicone ones fitted maybe 7 years ago. 

 

I checked the coolant today and its dropped probably the whole air gap in the rad. Carpets dry, no oil in coolant, and oil looks fine. 

 

Have filled the rad right up and will run parked to see where coolant might be leaking from. The overflow will certainly drain out until enough coolant is expelled to normal level so I'll have the max amount of coolant/pressure to spot any leaks. 

 

Just surprised its taken this long for a significant coolant drop, but I am suspecting the car just got too hot, I had it out a few weeks back in the heatwave, had to use aux electric fan, and internal heater to cool it down! Its a 1293 retro twin injector s/c build. Runs perfect apart from coolant drop.

 

 

[cal844]

Might be worth dipping the heater matrix box to see if there's any fluid there, it can take a fair amount before it spills onto the carpet

[sonikk4]

As Cal has mentioned it will be the matrix. Been there got the medals. No wet carpet but a pin prick leak plus the smell of coolant.

The topper was one particular day I had what looked like steam coming from one of the windscreen demisters. Took it all apart and the matrix was fubar. So it had just literally failed as the water was being caught in the case but anymore use and it would have started to trickle out.

[cal844]

As Cal has mentioned it will be the matrix. Been there got the medals. No wet carpet but a pin prick leak plus the smell of coolant.

The topper was one particular day I had what looked like steam coming from one of the windscreen demisters. Took it all apart and the matrix was fubar. So it had just literally failed as the water was being caught in the case but anymore use and it would have started to trickle out.

You were lucky, I had my matrix fail and leak all over the carpet, I had closed the heater valve but the matrix emptied about 250ml onto the carpet! I had to get the carpet wet vacuumed in the end.

To the OP, try and source an all metal matrix and new foam for the casing

[Aly-g]

As Cal has mentioned it will be the matrix. Been there got the medals. No wet carpet but a pin prick leak plus the smell of coolant.

The topper was one particular day I had what looked like steam coming from one of the windscreen demisters. Took it all apart and the matrix was fubar. So it had just literally failed as the water was being caught in the case but anymore use and it would have started to trickle out.

My vote goes to this diagnosis, I had exactly the same thing on my car , steam from the demister vents, for the sake of a couple of hours work I would take the heater out and change the matrix, mine was on the verge of disintegration and it will save extra work cleaning the carpet of your beautiful car.

[maccers]

Thanks all! Infact I did replace the heater matrix with an all metal one. Got it from "the matrix man" I think the ebay site was.

 

I dont use a heater open/close valve, the car came with the floating one that just got in the way so I bypassed it so coolant is constantly flowing through the matrix, almost like a second radiator. Great in the winter, not so in the summer. 

 

Will try and drop the heater unit and see what runs out. 

 

Ta  

[maccers]

Found the leak.... was a tiny tiny hole in the radiator. Only noticed it when I turned the aux fan on and got sprayed with coolant! New rad on the way. Took the heater apart while leaving the matrix in place just to check this, dry as a bone. Tiny screws a tad rusty but I cant recall if I re-used the original ones it was that long ago.