Coolant level

[Sinky]

I check my coolant level regularly on my 3200.
Usually I top it up to just below the max level.
At present driving the car at weekends.
Whenever I check the coolant level again , normally 3 to 7 days later I notice the coolant level just above min.
Would this be normal for coolant to be at that level even though topped up to near max a short time before ?

 

[Contigo]

Not uncommon really, just watch the temp dials and check for coolant loss. Mine does drop from time to te but then these cars are getting on a bit and do have a thirst for coolant and oil!

If it drives then bloody well drive it!

 

[jluis]

I don't think it's normal to lower the coolant level.
Check over the crank pulley for traces of leaks as this is where coolant that leaks trough the water pump collects.

Also have a look below the car for leaks near the radiator and turbo cooling lines.

The next point to check is the water manifold but this implies taking out the intake manifold

 

[Rex B]

That is normal, Mmne has always been the same just above the minimum and has always done that for the 6 years of ownership.

Rex B

 

[CatmanV2]

My Alfa GT always did the same. Ditto my 156 2.5

C

 

[Contigo]

The problem is finding a water leak as they could be a pin ***** and only happen under loaded conditions. Plus the position of all the coolant hoses makes them a pig to get to.

 

[drewf]

The real question is, does it get any lower than that? There will be a natural level for the coolant, which will simply be spat out when hot by the car if it's overfilled. If it stays at the 'min' level without then going lower, I wouldn't worry about it. The markings are only rough guides.

 

[allandwf]

Mine did this for a few months, until a turbo coolant hose popped. It only seemed to leak ever so slightly when cold. Get a torch and look from underneath near the bulkhead for tell tale staining. Mine was at the nearside. May not be this but worth checking.

 

[mjheathcote]

My Lotus Elise always used to settle at the min mark, top it up, and it spat it out!
The Maser settles at the bottle joint line.

 

[Sinky]

Thanks for all the replies.Getting the water pump changed at next service as the car has had its original in since manufacture.

 

[zagatoes30]

Don't get me started on coolant levels, if it drops to min and stays there leave well alone.

The Q4 will run for weeks without dropping a drop of coolant and then one day will dump the lot of a 20-30 mile drive. Top it up and the process is repeated a few weeks later and we have no idea why - arrgghhh! Good job the engine is coming out in the next few weeks to find the source of it burning oil so hopefully we will find the coolant leak at the same time.

 

[mjheathcote]

You must post up some pictures of your Q4.
Was on 'want list' ever since Clarkson reviewed it on TG, many years ago!

 

[RSM Masser]

Mine is the same - I put it down to a small as yet undetected / located leak as opposed to the expensive - head gasket leak! I did notice a possible leak from the heater matrix whilst investigating Fuse 16 - but that involves removing the fascia!
Easy option - top up coolant - wait for sunny day!

 

[CatmanV2]

Mine is the same - I put it down to a small as yet undetected / located leak as opposed to the expensive - head gasket leak! I did notice a possible leak from the heater matrix whilst investigating Fuse 16 - but that involves removing the fascia!
Easy option - top up coolant - wait for sunny day!

If your matrix is leaking, that can get expensive when it drips onto the ECU's underneath. Best check and be sure....

Might just be the blocked pollen filter.

C

 

[RSM Masser]

If your matrix is leaking, that can get expensive when it drips onto the ECU's underneath. Best check and be sure....

Might just be the blocked pollen filter.

C

That's made me feel much better!
Still good excuse not to do decorating this weekend

 

[CatmanV2]

That's made me feel much better!
Still good excuse not to do decorating this weekend

We aim to please It may just be the pollen filter drain is blocked up. Much simpler than the heater matrix, there's a whole how to.
Of course if it *is* then that can get expensive when it drips onto the ECU's underneath. Best check and be sure....

Am I helping at all? You didn't like that colour of paint anyway

C

 

[redsonnylee]

I put some card board in the garage overnight and in the morning could see the drip marks, then traced it to a hose which is a pain to get to. I only noticed this because we had a new driveway installed and saw the marks.