Mystery water leak Rover 214 SEi

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Mon 31 May 2004 20:29
Mystery water leak Rover 214 SEi - yokel
My future son in law has a 'M' plate Rover 214 SEi petrol.

After the car has been used on any kind of run (short/long), after the engine has cooled down there is a small puddle of water 3/4 inches diameter under the forward end of the engine.

When the engine is running there is no sign of a leak from either the hoses, pump or radiator. The water system has been pressure tested but no problem or leak identified.

The oil is clean (relatively), there is no sludge under the oil filler cap therefore does not seem to be water in with the oil.

However, the leak continues but we cannot track down the source.

The car does not have any air con so its not a drip from that.

The engine does not appear to be overheating.

Any ideas to a probably cause??????????

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Mon 31 May 2004 20:43
Mystery water leak Rover 214 SEi - Civic8
Pressure testing wont always show up any water leaks.would be inclined to once engine cools down run finger round underneath of pipes connecting to the rad.that is assuming you meant front of car.if front of engine you mean drivers side under it could be waterpump leak.?
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Mon 31 May 2004 21:00
Mystery water leak Rover 214 SEi - yokel
Hi Mech1,

Thanks for your tip.

More info, the water can be seen dropping off the bottom of the oil sump, so its accumulating there at the forward end.

The puddle is definately on the drivers side and it is the forward end of the engine.

Would you recommend changing the water pump and/or hoses?

The engine sounds fine, no misfires, and is doing regular weekly run from Yeovil to Portsmouth without problem, so thats about 200 miles round trip out Mon back Fri.

Cheers,




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Mon 31 May 2004 21:21
Mystery water leak Rover 214 SEi - Civic8
Would recommend both pump and hoses.also fresh anti freeze put in.these engines must have anti freeze change before recommended time.ie that also means new cambelt/tensioner.but cheaper than head/gasket if they fail.
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Mon 31 May 2004 23:19
Mystery water leak Rover 214 SEi - Civic8
I forgot to mention.check the thermostat housing for any leaks its at the back of the block under the inlet manifold so not easy to see/get to.just a possible?
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