Coolant Indicator ON-notice leak

[RCA918]

Hi,

2 weeks ago my 1995 C220 Coolant Indiactor came ON, I check the plastic coolant tank (the level) is low. I waited for the engine to cool after a few hrs, then I top up with water. 4 days ago, the indicator cam ON again. I decided to check the base of the engine, where there is the plastic base, I notice slight liquid with green colour coolant. I think this confirms a small leak somewhere.

I notice the leak may not be from the radiator but below the engine. You notice on the photo I have remove the fan blade to get a better view of where the leak is. It look like from the hose connected below the engine. Can any one pls help me to diagnose.


Kind Regard

 

[C220GJS]

The hoses in the picture do not carry coolant but are the pipes which circulate the auto. transmission fluid through the oil cooler which in your case seems to be attached to the side of the radiator;mine is on the bottom of the radiator. ATF fluid is reddish in colour so I think you need to look elsewhere for your coolant leak ,probably the water pump as the damp area seems to spread from there, if there is water leaking from the drain below the water pump spindle the pump needs changing.
Hope this helps , Geo.

 

[RCA918]

Thanks.

You mention the water pump. I also notice it close by the leak area. Could it be the pump itself leaking I can put a tissue around it to see if it become wet.


Kind Regards

 

[RCA918]

Hi,

I have taken a few more photos of the water pump, right & left side of the Readiator. Please tell me which is the coolant hose leading in or out of the radiator.

Thanks

 

[C220GJS]

The pump you have in your picture is the secondary pump for the heating system. The main pump which circulates coolant around the engine and radiator is mounted on the engine , the shaft on which the fan was mounted is attached to this pump which is bolted to the engine block behind the big pulley. The drain on the pump is below the pulley,there should be a drain pipe attached but not always but you should be able to see where the pipe would attach,as i said if it's leaking here you need a new pump.
Let me know if you need any more information.
Geo.

 

[RCA918]

C220GJS Thanks

Obviously from the picture I posted the pump is not in sight. I dont seem to understand (my limited knowledge) still where exactly the pump & drain pipe is?

Can you direct me from the picture where roughly its located? I will take a wider shot of the engine when I return home, so you can kindly help me locate its position.

If its the water pump need replacing, is it a small job? How much roughly will the part cost?

Kind Regards

 

[television]

I picture of pump

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.417&CT=M&cat=19K&SID=20&SGR=015&SGN=01

Malcolm

 

[C220GJS]

Thanks Malcolm, as I said the pump is bolted to the engine behind the pulley no.35 in the diagram. If you need it the pump costs about £45 from the likes of Eurocarparts and will take about 1 1/2 to 3 hrs to fit depending on your skill level. I would suggest you buy the Haynes manual, no.3511, for your car before you start and read the relevant section as working on these cars without a manual is not a good idea .
Cheers Geo.
See here for pump position ,fan hub is no.20.http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.417&CT=M&cat=19K&SID=01&SGR=005&SGN=01

 

[RCA918]

Thanks

I have taken further shots of the engine & observe the leak.

After cleaning the water stain & leaving the car for 1 night. I notice new water stain. I have taken a pic, the leaking trail is from the side of the Radiator.

I need to also confirm from another pic, that I have located the water pump.

Kind Regards

 

[C220GJS]

Yes that is definitely the water pump, the brass coloured tube protruding from the far lefthand image is the drain pipe,it only drains coolant which has leaked past the seal. However the problem seems to be the radiator, check the sealing of the bottom hose connection, it may just need retightened or a new clip. Once you have done that clean the area thoroughly , run your engine up to operating temp and check if the leak is still present. If so you need to speak to a radiator specialist.
Cheers, Geo

 

[RCA918]

Thanks again

Confirming the drain pipe is brass protruding from the body of the pump itself not the brass protruding from the longer of the cyclidrical pipe. Where is the drain lead to, does it drain down onto the plastic base?

If its the Radiator, can it be reconditioned or the cost better to replace with new one? If I remove all the hoses, will the coolant, transmission fuel or any other fluid/gas drain out? Can you please send me a diagram of the hoses connecting to the Radiator pls.

Kind Regards

 

[C220GJS]

I think at this stage we can disregard the pump as the leak is obviously coming from the radiator bottom hose connection, do as i suggested and if the leak is not from the hose connection, I think you should find a radiator specialist, who can advise on the next move.
Geo.

 

[RCA918]

Geo Thanks

Confirming after wipe dry the leak areas yesterday, the same leak trail appeared again this morning, apparently coming from right side Radiator. Similar to pic I had posted earlier.

As you suggest, I will ask a Radiator specialist in this forum perhaps, to go next step. But meanwhile I want to take better view on opposite side of this Radiator, which is facing the front grill. It look likely originating from there??But I am unable to nudge the Radiator out seemed that something is holding onto it. Is there the 4 bolts above grill need to be remove (2 on left & right side)?

Kind Regards

 

[C220GJS]

When i said to find a radiator specialist i meant check your local phone book for one and take the car to them as this is not a diy job and in my experience radiator repairs are not very expensive considering the amount of work involved.
Cheers Geo.

 

[RCA918]

Thanks

Allow me to investigate further. Some one mention to check the Radiator Drain valve as possible cause. I took a pic & ask whether this is the Drain Valve, It has a red cap. It is meant to be turn & it will drain from that protruding tube above it?

But the leak is on the opposite side of this valve.

I will open the bottom plastic cover & look from under the car to gain a better view & to make sure its not from the hose etc

Kind Regards

 

[television]

You can get a dye that you put in the water, and with the aid of a ultra violet lamp it pin points any leak.

Malcolm

 

[RCA918]

Thanks

I can see the leak which is the green coolant, but it also look like plain water. I had wipe dry the area but water reappeared. I believe its leaking from the exact opposite spot of where the Radiator Drain Valve is?

I hear some one mention that some specialist can just repair the radiator. Is that welding the leak?

Kind Regards

 

[television]

Thanks

I can see the leak which is the green coolant, but it also look like plain water. I had wipe dry the area but water reappeared. I believe its leaking from the exact opposite spot of where the Radiator Drain Valve is?

I hear some one mention that some specialist can just repair the radiator. Is that welding the leak?

Kind Regards

I think that there are still a lot of firms who fix rads, look in your yellow pages.
Once you have it off you may see the problem yourself
Malcolm

 

[RCA918]

There seem to be wet near the pulleys, near the water pump. Is this a water pump leak or its a normal discharge by the water pump due to cooling system prob (like a leaking Radiator/loss of pressure?)

Can I top up my coolant & drive to my mechanic?

 

[C220GJS]

Yes you can drive the car but keep an eye on the temperature gauge and put the fan back on first.
Geo.