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water leak (from radiator?)

9K views 13 replies 5 participants last post by  bertie 
#1 ·
Hi all,

My Megane II Expression is using water. Looks like it's coming from near the lower left side of the radiator, as it drips there when I top up the water bottle.

The engine is also idling quite low, at around 600rpm. Are the two related? What could the problem be?

I should probably have it see to by a mechanic, so can anyone recommend a decent Renault mechanic in the Wandsworth (London) area.

Thanks!

Gareth
 
#2 ·
Hi i am finding it very difficult to relate the two problems together so i dont think they have anything to do with each other, on the other hand if the radiator is leaking then it is fixable, if the leake is only dripping out then go to halfords and buy some radweld you poor it into the radiator bottle and run the enginge for five minutes, but if its pooring out then youl need a new radiator you can buy these on ebay for 30 quid and are easy to fit. if you need more info on the radweld or how to use it mail me owen_clio@live.co.uk
 
#3 ·
I would recommend only to use a radiator sealant in an emergency. Renaults have a nasty habit of having blocked heater matrixes as it is - th elikes of radweld just may hasten such a problem.
Regarding the idling. There may be two possibilities. One because there is a leak the engine coolant may not be able to reach its proper operating temperature. Remember coolant systems pressurise so therefore the coolant can go to around 108C without boiling. Secondly if the coolant level is low or air-locked and there is insufficient coolant around the coolant sensors they will not work correctly. The ECU montors coolant temp via these sensors and adjusts the fuel mixture and ingnition accordingly so therefore your idle speed may be affected:)
 
#4 ·
the leak continues

Hi guys,

Thanks very much for your responses. i've been monitoring the engine and things seemed to be getting better. I filled up last week, went for a very long and hot drive into the country on Sunday and the water level only dropped about a half inch.

Then this morning I arrived in the car park at work, reversed into my space and saw a trail of water on the tarmac. It's dripping at a rapid rate from somewhere near the bottom left corner of the radiator. The water bottel is now below minimum! And it's only a 6.5 mile journey to the office from where I live.

Any thoughts??

I wanted to try the Radweld just as an interim measure, but I'm a bit apprehensive after your comment about the Renault matrixes.

Gareth
 
#5 ·
Hi Gareth,

I'd be inclined to look either for a replacement radiator, or into getting the existing one re-cored.

Otherwise you run the risk of the engine overheating - don't rely on the temp guage to monitor this, as it measures the water temp, but if there is insufficient present - there's nothing to measure.

Suddenly £100 (or so) looks good value set against the cost of a new engine (plus Radiator)...

There's no point in beating around the bush, deal with it sooner rather than later.

Paul
 
#7 ·
Well, its difficult to say definitively, but when you are at speed, there is greater airflow under the bonnet, helping to keep things cool.

Sitting in traffic is when the cooling system really gets taxed, so I can presume that there would be a greater amount of heat being absorbed, therefore the cooling system is under greater pressure.

It is probably a minute hole (at the moment), but I honestly would look into getting it repaired (if you can spare the car for a 2-day turnaround), or a replacement (if you need the car constantly).

Its also a good idea to replace the clips for the hoses at the same time, as they will be getting a bit rusty and hard to adjust properly.

Finally, when you are 'topping-up' make sure its the correct mix of coolant:water as this not only increases the boiling point of the solution, it also has corrosion inhibitors & antifreeze properties.

Hope this helps,

Paul
 
#8 ·
which coolant

Hello again Paul,

As I've only had the car a couple of weeks (and it's my first Renault) I'm not familiar with the upkeep procedures at all. How much coolant should I be using and which type? I've only been adding water since I bought the car.

Gareth
 
#9 ·
Hi Gareth.

The owner's manual will probably have a definitive mix, but anything up to 50:50 will do no harm.

The easiest way to measure this out is to get an old 2litre lemonade bottle, half fill (if its 50:50 concentration) it with coolant, then fill the remainder with water.

Naturally, keep this bottle out of anyone's reach who may think it contains a drink. Probably the boot is ideal, given the current situation.

Watch not to spill any onto paintwork (wash it straightaway if you do), as it will burn through the paint in no time at all.

Hope this doesn't put you off your purchase.

Paul
 
#13 ·
Hi Gareth.

Well, its one of those questions, the answer of which can vary from owner to owner.

Some will swear by it, and state that it solved any leaks without causing further problems.

Others will claim its just delaying the inevitable, and can give rise to further problems.

I have personally used this http://www.kalimex.co.uk/ and found it provided a long-lasting and durable repair on my scorpio until I could source a new radiator.

I also had no heater matrix/sludge issues arising from its use.

So I would recommend this over radweld (as it was my mechanic mate, who recommended it to me).

Hope that helps,

Paul
 
#14 ·
hi paul do you think the K-seal would work on my car bertie a 2005 Modus Oasis. Diesel he has been stood for 8 months due to my major op and could not drive. I`m a A.to B driver for work. doing my own research on a diesel I took him on the motorway 2 weeks ago and he overheating.. - I took him to the garage and he was in for 2 days- they said he was not worth repairing.. and tried to sell me a car for 3 grand.. any advice would be appreciated.. as he did not have a water leak before he went into the garage, today the water is just pouring out when i fill him up.:crying2:
 
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