we have a vauxhall astra diesel cdti plate 53 and more or less since we have had it from new we have had to top up the radiator once every fortnight or so.
the garage where it is serviced cannot find any signs of a leak even though we have mentioned it on several occasions when it has gone through its annual service.
what we are concerned about is where is the water going?
a mechanic who we know well mentioned something about a head gasket. if that goes i know we are in trouble but the car goes well and theres no white smoke emitted from the radiator area.
what do you think could be the problem
the only thing i can think of (being no mechanic in any sense of the word) is a leaky radiator or the water pump not working.
any help most appreciated
2007-03-27 08:20:29 · 18 answers · asked by julesjayjay 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
if it is the head gasket gone - how much would a new one cost us - if only an idea so i dont have a heart attack at the cost if the worse comes to the worse?
2007-03-27 08:53:02 · update #1
i do not mind what the cost is - i just would like an idea on what the amount is going to be
i would rather pay for a new gasket than a new engine
2007-03-27 09:30:17 · update #2
we found out today it was NOT the head gasket
it was the thermastatic housing around the head underneath somewhere - i am no car mechanic.
it was a difficult leak to be traced so thank goodness no large bill - well at least not as large as it could have been
just wanted to say a BIG THANKS for all your help - it was so kind of you all to try and help me.
2007-03-28 04:57:28 · update #3
If there is a radiator leak, you will usually see water or greeny-coloured deposit (leaking anti-freeze) around the radiator or one of the hoses. Sometimes, the radiator header tank can have a tiny split in it, so look carefully for any signs of water leakage. At the rate it is leaking, you won't see any steam. It is not the water pump - you would be getting serious overheating.
If not, then almost certainly there is a problem with the head gasket, but at this stage it will be a tiny leak, otherwise the water would disappear much more quickly.
The usual early sign of a leaking head gasket is water in the sump oil, which often shows up as a creamy-looking deposit in the rocker-box (look into the oil filler cap).
The head gasket can be tested by doing a cylinder compression test. This is easy to do but needs a testing device, which any reasonable mechanic should have.
Although it is expensive to have a head gasket replaced, you could be in real trouble if it suddenly blows, so I think you should get it tested.
2007-03-27 08:36:48 · answer #1 · answered by Up the pole 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Car Using Water
2016-10-18 10:17:35 · answer #2 · answered by demers 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible for a head gasket to fail or leak at any part of its surface. Particularly if the head had not been torqued down correctly in the first place, or if the head or block are warped.This failure includes going from the waterways to the edge of the head. In this case the water will not enter the oil system, so you will not see any white stuff in the oil filler cap. Also the water will not go into the combustion chamber, so you will not see any white smoke coming from the exhaust. Also, and finally, the water may be coming out at the rear of the head gasket towards the rear of the engine where it will evaporate very quickly from the heat of the engine, so no trace of a leak will easily be found.
2007-03-27 08:46:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have a vectra doing exactly the same thing. We have had a new oil pump and a new water pump. Its not leaking anywhere. We have now had the car checked and our head gasket has gone. Our car is still running though, we just have to top the water up every week. This will be the third time our head gasket has gone, and our engine is knocking so weve had to buy a new engine. Sounds to me like your head gasket may have gone.
Id get it sorted as soon as you can if i were you. Good luck!!
2007-03-27 08:31:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i had an astra too and had the same problem. turned out it was the head gasket, the thing about a head gasket fault is that it will run relativly well while you're filling it up with water, mine did, but inevitebly it will just jack it in. mine kept backfiring at the end, it started kicking out a wool like carbon from the exhaust plus i kept losing power when i had to go up even the slightest of hills! until eventually i got the whole blinding smoke and complete engine failure, whilst travelling down the motorway!!! my advice is to have the 'friendly' mechanic look at it, trust me when the head gasket does go it can be quite a frightening experience, especially if you are travelling at speed or on a motorway.
2007-03-27 08:38:48 · answer #5 · answered by matt mcd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
make sure you've defiantly filled it up with water...what I'm saying is remember its got all go all around the engine/radiator, when your filling it up wait then top up again do that till you know its full.
if it is still loosing water could it be the head (or gasket), they are very prone to internal cracking. ?? Get a presure test done ; )
Good Luck!
ps the air con uses water...
Head gasket would cost around 20 ..30 quid heres an example..http://search.ebay.co.uk/vauxhall-head-gasket_W0QQfcclZ1QQfclZ4QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1
but you can get them at your local car discount store..
What would cost the most is someone fitting it for you...private maybe around 100 to 150 quid to get fitted
If you go to main dealer it would cost so much more..maybe 300 plus, hope this helps : )
Is the car heater blowing cold air??when it should be hot?? Does the car over heat??
Pull out the dip stick & look on the end at the oil to see if water has got it there..if it has it will be a creamy yellowy white colour..also unscrew were you put the oil...look underneath the cap & inside to see if theres a creamy yellowy white colour of the oil! then you know its to do with the head!! I'm sure you probably know & friend of a friend who could take a look at it for you...if not the garage..
2007-03-27 08:38:14 · answer #6 · answered by Toby G* 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Another way to check if the Head Gasket is gone is to fill the expansion (water) tank right up to the top, then start the car with the cap off and look for bubbles. If you gave regular bubbles then you have a blown Head gasket.
2007-03-27 12:15:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How much water is it going through every 2 weeks? Are you checking the overflow reservoir? You should never let the overflow reservoir go empty.
I think the diesel engine is set to too lean and the engine is running a bit hot. In this case the water is close to boiling point and its evaporating. Have you replenished the coolant? If you live at a high altitude the more evaporation will take place since water would boil much sooner. I suggest you increase the amount of antifreeze/anti-boil coolant in your system. If its currently 4 parts coolant and 6 parts water, try making it 50/50. Should increase boilover temps and reduce evaporation.
2007-03-27 09:02:20 · answer #8 · answered by Tom C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put a bottle of bars leaks in your system. if this doesnt sort it, get the head taken off and pressure tested, they're prone to cracking, so i wouldnt leave it too long. diesels especially dont like water in the cylinders, and if it goes you're looking at a new engine. head gasket, you're looking £350+vat plus parts(aprox £80), Head & gasket you're looking £400+vat plus parts (£500ish) and a new engine is a lot, you're looking around the £2000 mark including fitting (estimates)
2007-03-27 09:14:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take off the oil filler cap and look at the bottom of it. If there is a white emulsion goop on that looks a bit like curdled milk on it then in all probability your head gasket is naff.
2007-03-27 08:33:21 · answer #10 · answered by Del Piero 10 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋