running water noise on engine startup

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Mon 15 Aug 2005 10:36
running water noise on engine startup - hils
I have a renault scenic and every time i start the engine there is a noise of running water.It seems to be losing water and needs to be topped up regularly.It has been to the the garage three times and had the thermostat hosing replaced,The thermostat itself replaced and finally the radiator replaced and its still the same.Its costing a fortune and Im desperate. Anyone got any advice.
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Mon 15 Aug 2005 10:44
running water noise on engine startup - kennybase
I know my Clio 1.9D had a problem with needing topping up almost daily (it would be pretty much empty!) I changed the head gasket, the radiator and the pipes - but still happened - so I traded it in!

Never did find out why it was happening.
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Mon 15 Aug 2005 10:56
running water noise on engine startup - nick
Sounds like air in the cooling system. It's probably not been bled properly (if that is required on this car) or is still leaking. Find a good independant specialist if you can. If there's a Haynes manual it'll tell you what the refilling procedure is.
If there is air in there it will expand when hot and push out water. Then when it's cold again, you'll see the level has gone down and assume there's a leak.
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Mon 15 Aug 2005 11:43
running water noise on engine startup - Altea Ego
The gurgling is caused by Air in the system. The scenic has several bleed valves in various hoses where they are highest in the engine.

Disapearing water can only mean one of two things.

1/ It has a leak. Sometimes you will only find this leak when the engine is hot and running. Favourite spots left after the work done so far, is water pump, or heat exchanger matrix. Check for water under the car or damp carpets.

2/ Head gasket is going/gone. Any bubbles in the expansion tank? water in the oil? Head gasket failur eis not common on this motor.
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Mon 15 Aug 2005 12:51
running water noise on engine startup - madf
I would concur with Renault Family and advise your garage appear incompetent. Find someone competent and experienced in these cars. (that usually means NOT a Renault dealer but you may be lucky!)

madf


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Mon 15 Aug 2005 18:59
running water noise on engine startup - nick
Disapearing water can only mean one of two things.
1/ It has a leak. Sometimes you will only find this
leak when the engine is hot and running. Favourite spots left
after the work done so far, is water pump, or heat
exchanger matrix. Check for water under the car or damp carpets.
2/ Head gasket is going/gone. Any bubbles in the expansion tank?
water in the oil? Head gasket failur eis not common on
this motor.

See above. Air will expand when hot and can push the water out of the expansion tank which will then need topping up when cold. Not necessarily a leak though.

Are there any drips under the car? Does the heater smell of antifreeze?
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Mon 15 Aug 2005 22:23
running water noise on engine startup - hils
Thanks for your help, I think you might be right about air in the system. Now it's been bled it sounds much better. Not sure I can hear anything now on start up. I'm annoyed that the garage didn't do it but thats life I suppose. Thanks again
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Tue 16 Aug 2005 08:44
running water noise on engine startup - P 2501
Failure to bleed an engine fully/correctly seems to have become an extremely common problem at all types of garages. Given the possible consequences, i am surprised they don't take more time to get it right.
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