Vauxhall Astra G Petrol (1998 - 2004) - 00 1.6 coolant leak after w/pump & rad change

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Mon 26 Jan 2009 15:48
00 1.6 coolant leak after w/pump & rad change - g9icy
Hey all,
My Astra, W reg has not long had both its radiator and water pump replaced, yet two weeks after having the pump fitted, the water/coolant had gone down to about 3/4 of an inch full.

I'm getting a bit annoyed now as its getting too expensive to run if it keeps having these issues.

There is no gunk under the oil cap so I'm thinking and hoping its not the head gasket, but I have noticed some water coming out of the exhaust (trickling), not sure if that's normal/relevant or not.

I need some advice really, so I can return to my local mechanic armed with some info.

Any recommendations on things to suggest or ideas of what it could be?
Thanks.

Edited by Pugugly on 26/01/2009 at 20:08

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 26 Jan 2009 16:24
2000 1.6 Water leaking - already changed rad & wat - SpamCan61 {P}
Get the coolant header tank 'sniffed' for exhaust gases by a garage, maybe you have a head gasket to coolant channel leak. Alternatively are you 100% sure there are no leaks from any hoses etc., or the heater matrix, although the latter will usually leave a slight smell of coolant in the passenger compartment.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 26 Jan 2009 18:47
2000 1.6 Water leaking - already changed rad & wat - topbloke
the level may have settled after the water pump and rad change or do you keep topping up ! when you drop the water from the engine via waterpump etc then air will get in, this forms small air pockets when its refilled (unless a vacum filler is used) these will get moved about during normal running ending up in the exspansion tank hence the drop in level, if you have to keep topping up then there is a problem Regards TB
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 26 Jan 2009 19:21
2000 1.6 Water leaking - already changed rad & wat - TurboD
Why did the rad and WP get changed?, did you see leaks from them?. Did you put newspaer under car overnight to see if leaks were present?.
Someone is just guessing and taking a round about route to the problem, ( which is a nice earner) which is most likley the HG all along .
Check for leaks overnight before plunging into the HG chnage which will be expensive.
Coolant cannot just vanish- it can go into steam of course.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....