Hi All.
OK Who stole my coolant?

1999 XK8 4.0 been parked up a few months while I do suspension repairs at the rear (see other thread). Engine did not start for this time, but the last run was on the driveway, it came up to temp, and all was fine.

I got in the car and put the ignition on to reset the windows after the battery was a little low. The battery was freshly charged and all ok.
I instantly noticed an Engine Coolant Low message. Go check, yes, nothing in the expansion tank, empty. Squeeze and release the hoes several times, nothing, just air.
Check underneath, no signs of leakage, nothing.

Worried that some mouse had chewed a hose I decided rather than refill with proper coolant, fill with water and see if/where it pours from. I think about 4 or more litres bought it back up to normal levels.
But, no leaks. Not a drip. squeezed the hoses again, slushing around, all seems ok, no leaks, not even a drip.
Checked oil dip stick hoping not to find water, nope, all clean oil.

I have been just keeping an eye on it the last 3 days, no loss of water.

Where did my coolant go? Did somebody steal it overnight? Did aliens abduct my coolant?
It has been really hot here in the UK, really hot for us, but do not see that affecting it. Other cars here are ok.

Has anybody else ever had this?
Cheers

 

I think you should check the level in the overflow tank behind the RH front wheel, behind the plastic liner . If this is low (about 1/2 full is ok) then the expansion tank pumps to the overflow but it does not come back so the expansion tank level drops each time you use the car.

 

^^^^^^ this !

there has to be vacuum in the overflow / recovery system, or the coolant won’t get sucked back into the under hood tank. Check for cracks in the fender tank and / or line going to it .

Z

 

The expansion tank cap is often the culprit.

 

Hi

Thanks, but even if the car has not been used, not even an engine start in weeks?

Thanks

 

Am I correct in thinking the coolant will not go into the atmospheric tank if the engine was not been running? It has been sitting for a few weeks. The last start in late June all was fine coolant not low and did not overheat. I just can't see how it would move itself into the other tank without the engine running? No pressure from the pump or temperature. And all/most of the coolant too. Why so much??? Litres, not a cupful or 2.

The back has been jacked while I work on the rear suspension. But I cannot see how this would affect it. This is really odd.

Thanks

 

You're right on all counts. I didn't realize you had checked the coolant level before starting the current project. It is indeed a mystery.

 

Sorry I couldn't get passed this typo, without cracking a laugh. "Squeeze and release the hoes several times"

 

^^ If you opt to do that, they may get mad and raise their rate on you....

 

Wowsers, what a classic typo. Well spotted, I almost choked on my coffee.