TEKNOPUG 3 Posted August 9, 2006 High there, where should the water level be upto in the expansion tank - before and after driving? Think that I losing water but can't find a leak and I'm fearing that it disapearing via the head gasket - 10 hours before 'Ring departure Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hengti 2 Posted August 9, 2006 i've always kept mine at the level of the moulding split in the expansion tank - about half full level shouldn't be any different before/after driving - guess you've a leak somewhere 10 hours is a bit tight Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TEKNOPUG 3 Posted August 9, 2006 I've just filled it upto there. No other signs other than it been drinking water. Although it's been pretty much standing for the last 4 months. Not a lot I can do now really. Fingers crossed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PumaRacing 2 Posted August 9, 2006 Water level will be higher with the engine hot because hot water expands. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Henry Yorke 269 3 Cars Posted August 9, 2006 I had this in a 1.6 GTI. I changed the pressure cap and that identified a pin hole in the radiator. The water was evaporating as steam and only under pressure so not dripping on the floor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest DocBurble Posted August 9, 2006 See also my post on 'Confused - which hoses go where?' I had a very slow loss of coolant which couldn't be tracked down, Check your steering column UJ hasn't almost rubbed through the hose that goes across the back of the bulkhead to the expansion tank. Mine blew before a 3.5 hour drive back from Gower. Good Luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALEX 98 1 Cars Posted August 10, 2006 (edited) If it's loosing water through the head gasket, it's going to get worse. Keep driving it and topping up the water untill the problem gets worse or gose away. If it's the gasket you should start to see steam comming from the exhaust. Mine went slowly like this started to use about a litre of water a week to about 2 litre every 10 miles. Carry a few bottles of water around with you. Edited August 10, 2006 by ALEX Share this post Link to post Share on other sites