Engine temperature warning light

GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

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Just taken the 4200 out for a quick razz around the country lanes and after a few minutes the engine temperature light came on.

Obviously I gingerly drove it back home (internal fan on!).

I had a quick look when I got back, both radiator fans were on when the engine was on, although not when just the ignition was on, is this normal?

I also saw some water on the garage floor by the drivers side front wheel. Could this be the cause or is the air con condenser that side?

Where can I check the radiator fluid level?
 
safrane

safrane

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Water level and top up on the drivers side but to get a good look you need to remove the plastic shrouds on that side.

Air con normally shows rather central as the drian exits in the prop shaft area (unless blocked and it fills the pasenger footwell.
 
conaero

conaero

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Stick your finger in the puddle and taste it, if it's sweet, it's antifreeze. Rinse and spit as its poisonous.
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

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I hope nothing bashed my radiator as well as the bumper on the way to Ace last week.

Will check fluid levels now.
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

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Well it's definitely coolant. Just put 6 pints of water in!

This looks like where it's coming out from underneath the car.

2016-02-19 14.46.09-1.jpg

Might have to check it in with Felice.
 
StuartW

StuartW

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Lucky it happened locally and not when you were further from home - I know water ran run until it finds a place to drop but that doesn't look right at the front to me. Time to get hunting for the leak, good luck
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

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LincsOSCA said:
Lucky it happened locally and not when you were further from home - I know water ran run until it finds a place to drop but that doesn't look right at the front to me. Time to get hunting for the leak, good luck
Click to expand...

I guess if it's not at the front, you would imagine that it's not the radiator (fingers crossed), which would just leave pipework and the expansion tank. (I think).
 
allandwf

allandwf

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Have someone pressure test the system, any local garage should be able to do it. It should start dripping and make it easier to spot. I know from experience trying to trace a small leak on the Jag. Turned out to be the oil thermostat, which was tiny and fitted near the center of the engine. Couldn't find it under normal conditions.
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

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allandwf said:
Have someone pressure test the system, any local garage should be able to do it. It should start dripping and make it easier to spot. I know from experience trying to trace a small leak on the Jag. Turned out to be the oil thermostat, which was tiny and fitted near the center of the engine. Couldn't find it under normal conditions.
Click to expand...

That's not a bad shout. be easier than getting to Chadwell Heath as well.
 
StuartW

StuartW

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GeoffCapes said:
I'll certainly be carrying a bottle of water in the car for the time being.
Click to expand...

If after only a few minutes your light came on and when you got home you had to put a shed load of water in it, I wouldn't be driving it at all to prevent any further damage being caused
 
allandwf

allandwf

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LincsOSCA said:
If after only a few minutes your light came on and when you got home you had to put a shed load of water in it, I wouldn't be driving it at all to prevent any further damage being caused
Click to expand...
It sounds like it has been losing water slowly, just not been noticed until it got low enough to stop adequate cooling. Hence the need for 6 pints. If its refilled with no airlocks then there shouldn't be an issue running it to check for leaks. Obviously if it empties itself onto the floor then don't drive it.
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

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allandwf said:
It sounds like it has been losing water slowly, just not been noticed until it got low enough to stop adequate cooling. Hence the need for 6 pints. If its refilled with no airlocks then there shouldn't be an issue running it to check for leaks. Obviously if it empties itself onto the floor then don't drive it.
Click to expand...

It looks exactly like that Allan.

Will get it up on the jacks tomorrow (if the weather is kind) if I can't find anything I've booked it in for a pressure test with a local garage for next week and hope fully they will find the culprit.
I'd never drive a car that's just dumped a load of water. Even I'm not THAT stupid. Well. Not all the time! :rofl5:
 
2b1ask1

2b1ask1

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Mark, http://www.eurospares.co.uk/parts/maserati/4200-coupe-2005/cooling-heating/nourice-cooling-system-valid-for-gd-28018 my money would be on 37 or 38 as likely culprets. you may have either a rubber or steel part 36, if it is a steel one it could also be at fault through corrosion as they are only BZP.

There is however a very small bore breather pipe (No.15) that goes in under the plenum that is at risk of chafing but it should only have a minimal ability to loose fluid in that location.

Good luck
 
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