Coolant problem (again)

cantgrumble · Post by **cantgrumble** » 21 Sep 2018, 05:42

I recently posted with regard a loss of coolant/water on my 2006 V70.....low mileage.
I thought I had fixed the problem as I discovered a 'hole' in the filler cap. The replacement I used was not 'genuine' Volvo part.
And although initially the cap seemed to work ( as I was'nt topping up every few days ) there still appears to be a problem. The coolant
level stays the same for two or three days then the level will drop from the 'max' mark to the 'min' mark.
Whilst I know to be right a weekly check should be made on any vehicle probably once a week is it the case that V70's are a little
different or do I still have a problem with the filler cap as there are no other leaks visible.
Also should I buy a 'genuine' Volvo filler cap in an attempt to fix what has become a bit of an annoyance.
Thanks.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Sep 2018, 07:04

You have a leak somewhere that you need to find. These can be tough. Sometimes they only leak under pressure,when the car is hot after a run.

Look for dry white residue around the hoses all over the motor, especially under the intake manifold where there is a small hose that runs to the rear of the cylinder head.

cantgrumble · Post by **cantgrumble** » 23 Sep 2018, 04:56

Thanks for the reply.
The coolant loss seems to have no pattern to when it happens. I have done several long runs and lost not a drop and then
on another occasion the level has gone down. Because I am taking the filler cap off on a regular basis I am wondering whether
I am getting enough pressure when screwing the cap on. This I know sounds a bit daft but I keep getting drawn to the filler
cap not being ' a genuine Volvo ' cap. All the hoses are as clean as a bell so I am confident there are no leakages there.
The question really is 'how good are 'imitation' parts' for cars. I paid 5 or 6 quid for the last cap but in an attempt to get to
the bottom of this problem I am off to the main dealer to spend 19 quid as all this is now getting on my tits.

Thanks

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 23 Sep 2018, 11:25

In my experience, the reservoir fill level can change dramatically day to do, i.e. one day at min line and next day at max line. As long as coolant does not drop below min line, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm the type of person who checks my fluids daily, though.

Are you confident that your coolant mix is 50/50?

Post by **scot850** » 23 Sep 2018, 14:52

I have used aftermarket caps but tend to go back to Volvo OE as the aftermarket ones leaked as they would not hold the pressure.

If you continue to get random losses, a couple of places to watch out for are:

1) Check the hose from the coolant header tank that runs down to the back of the engine block. If you see a white or green deposit where they meet then nip up the pipe clamp.
2) If your car has a small pipe from the coolant header tank to the top of the thermostat housing or the radiator, check it is not leaking check after a run when the engine is cooling as it may leak more obviously then.
3) Although your engine/car is low mileage, check for a leak from the water pump. This can often happen just after start up before the pump bearing/spindle seal warms up, or similarly when cooling down. This can cause frustrating leaks as you never notice them.

Neil.

cantgrumble · Post by **cantgrumble** » 24 Sep 2018, 00:26

Thanks Guts,

Some good information as usual.
I was not using 50/50 mix until recently when I noticed on the filler cap that it said to do so...thx.

It's a trip to the main dealer today for a 'pucker' filler cap. I will report back.

Regards.

Post by **Clemens** » 24 Sep 2018, 01:19

WhatAmIDoing wrote: ↑23 Sep 2018, 11:25 In my experience, the reservoir fill level can change dramatically day to do, i.e. one day at min line and next day at max line. As long as coolant does not drop below min line, I wouldn't worry about it. I'm the type of person who checks my fluids daily, though.

Are you confident that your coolant mix is 50/50?

i agree on that. drove me nuts on my 96 R in the first 3 months. 3 years later still no problem. same in my 94 T5

cantgrumble · Post by **cantgrumble** » 08 Oct 2018, 08:41

Scot850..Neil, You win the prize for accurately diagnosing the problem !

I fitted the new 'Volvo' filler cap having had no luck with 'non Volvo' cap. I was still losing coolant.
Decided to take the car to the garage. Once up on the ramp the mechanic spotted the problem...The water pump.
Thanks for your input guys.