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        General >> Problems >> 1996 Cosworth Coolant Loss 106,000 miles
        
(Message started by: manscorpio on Apr 11^th, 2006, 4:42pm)

Title: 1996 Cosworth Coolant Loss 106,000 miles
Post by manscorpio on Apr 11^th, 2006, 4:42pm

Owned car for 6 years, generally happy - however lost all coolant on Farnham by-pass - towed home. Reading various posts on pressurising problems leading to ballooning radiator, decided as first step to change thermostat and try radweld or similar. No success rad leaks near top on side closest to expansion tank. Before buying new rad (that is probably required) seek updates on experience of other owners who have encountered this sudden loss of coolant problem.
The posts to date are not conclusive as to cause; is there any new information out there ?

Title: Re: 1996 Cosworth Coolant Loss 106,000 miles
Post by sector-9 on Apr 11^th, 2006, 7:12pm

Don't use radweld - it's likely to clog up the heater matrix!

Radiators can just 'go' instantly, usually if they've started to corrode inside (you have changed the coolant every 2 years haven't you?) or possibly weakened due to loose mountings, impact damage (stone, etc.). Hopefully it is just the radiator leaking which caused the coolant loss.

Darren

Title: Re: 1996 Cosworth Coolant Loss 106,000 miles
Post by Baz on Apr 11^th, 2006, 11:41pm

I seem to change radiators every 12 months or so!! mine all belly at the bottom. If you have one which has lasted for 6 years, chances are it has failed due to age rather than a major balloon problem. Check the bottom of the rad though for signs of bellying as this weakens the sides of the rads as well and could cause sudden loss. Mine has never gone suddenly though!! But as has been said, under no circumstances use radweld. This really will cuse more problems that it cures on the scorpio

Baz

Title: Re: 1996 Cosworth Coolant Loss 106,000 miles
Post by manscorpio on Apr 12^th, 2006, 11:23pm

Appreciate advice from Baz and Sector-9 regarding my problem. Wish I had not used Radweld - too late now. I have not regularly changed coolant, perhaps twice in six years......... Fortified with this knowledge I will seek out a working radiator. Pleased that the much discussed loss of coolant occurs slowly and not catastrophically fast. Thanks