Hi all. 

Apologies if this is in the wrong discussion or section. 

There is a red fluid leaking from the right of where the stereo is in the car. From behind the housing possibly. 

Doesn't feel gritty or oily. Maybe a bit misty but more watery than greasy. 

Seems to coming from behind the plastic trim which would be where your clutch foot would be. 

I have images to show. 
It's not a lot but obviously worrying all the same. 

Any help, advice or assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated as I've had a lot done to this car and any issues with it, I'd like to have analysed and rectified as soon as possible. 

Thank you for reading and for your time. 
Focused

It's coolant from the heater matrix.  Not a fun job unfortunately!

If you're lucky, it'll just be the pipe seal on the matrix...if you're unlucky, the entire dash needs to be removed to replace the matrix itself.

Hi TomsFocus. 

 

Thank you for the update on what the issue is with the coolant leak. 

Is this already looking like it's in a state of 'repair immediately' or will I be able to get it to someone in maybe a week - that being the only time I'll have free to get it booked in somewhere. 

 

Devastated. Is it wiser to repair or replace the car? I do love the car but unfortunately i don't think it's the only leak it has. 

 

There's a constant dampness of the driver's footwell carpet which bubbles up and soaks up more when pressed on. If it doesn't appear visibly when entering the vehicle - it will show after a journey as the weight of my feet resting on the carpet while traveling makes it apparent. 

I'm assuming this is the faulty seals behind the rear bumper but it even happens when there's been no rain or damp weather at all. 

 

Sad face. 

Thanks for response. 

Focused

Hi @Focused87  It's not looking good but best to stick to one problem at a time for now.

The main problem with the coolant leak from the matrix is that the engine will also be losing coolant as it's on the same system.  That creates air bubbles & hotspots which can blow a headgasket or even crack the engine block in severe cases.  I wouldn't recommend driving it for another week in that condition personally.  If you have no option but to drive it, then make sure the coolant level in the tank remains above minimum, and if you see any signs of overheating on the dash gauge, pull over immediately and let it cool down.  (Even that is not a failsafe solution though.)

I can't comment on whether it's best to fix or cut losses without further diagnosis - if it's just the pipe seals that have failed, they can be fairly easily & cheaply replaced, but if it's the matrix itself, that would mean a tough decision based on personal circumstances and finances etc.

 

The dampness in the footwell can be considered a separate issue for now - in that wet feet isn't going to risk engine damage!  The fact that it only appears after driving does suggest that it's coolant coming from the matrix which is only under pressure with the engine running.  The rear bumper vent leaks don't tend to allow rain water to run so far forward as the front footwells, unless you park on a steep downwards hill.  But if they are leaking, that's a much cheaper & easier fix than the matrix, so I wouldn't take that into consideration for repair costs at the moment.

I would like to leave driving it as you say so I'll probably opt for doing that at the minute - it is a reliable motor other than the few issues that seem to come with the Focus MK3.  

I genuinely enjoy the car but recently having issue after issue. I'm thinking if I get them all repaired it should be 'ok' after that. But it'll be just my luck 😑🙄

I'd like it resolved as soon as possible but does the coolant issue require a specialist or can I take it to my go-to? 

 

Thank you for your assistance with this issue as your explanations are detailed and helpful. 

 

Focused

24 minutes ago, Focused87 said:

I'd like it resolved as soon as possible but does the coolant issue require a specialist or can I take it to my go-to? 

Any garage should be able to do it...though many will refuse to touch a matrix issue as it can be such a major job.

Ideally, you're best looking for someone that deals with a lot of Mk3 Focus's as the pipe seals are a common issue and one they'll probably have done before.

14 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Any garage should be able to do it...though many will refuse to touch a matrix issue as it can be such a major job.

Ideally, you're best looking for someone that deals with a lot of Mk3 Focus's as the pipe seals are a common issue and one they'll probably have done before.

Haha sounds like I should have some fun attempting to find someone who will want to put their hands on it. 

Cheers Tom I'm going to have a scan about and see if I can locate any potentials who have experience with this problem. 

I really appreciate your input. 

 

Thank you again. 

Focused

Yes, you defo (as the young people say) need to check your coolant level. 

Sometimes a bottle of K -Seal can cure leaks. About £12 and if it works, happy days.

On 6/15/2022 at 2:48 PM, alanfp said:

Yes, you defo (as the young people say) need to check your coolant level. 

Sometimes a bottle of K -Seal can cure leaks. About £12 and if it works, happy days.

Hi Alanfp. 

Haha I defo did check my coolant and it had dropped a lot. 

I ordered some K-Seal. With any luck it should be arriving in next couple of days. 

 

I will clean up and wipe away any coolant already leaked and visible to me in the driver's footwell so that when I run the K-Seal through I should be able to see whether it continues to leak and persist being an issue. 

 

Is there any other ways I will know if it's resolved my problem or is it just a matter of watching for the leak reoccurring and keeping an eye on coolant level? 

 

Thank you for your input. 

Since your recommendation for K-Seal I have read a number of reviews stating how good it is. I look forward to trying it and hopefully it will work for me as I've read it's worked for so many others. 

 

Thank you again. 

Focused

Will I be able to top up the current coolant with Ford Premium Super Plus Longlife Antifreeze Coolant? 

 

It meets the coded specifications but I'm not sure which coolant is already in. 

Inside the expansion tank the current coolant is a pinky red'ish. 

 

Cheers for any help. 

Focused

I don't recommend using K-Seal on a decent car personally.  It's ok as a last resort on something you're just going to scrap if it doesn't work.  In theory it should only solidify when it meets air - but if you've not fully bled the system and have airlocks left inside, it can cause carnage and is then very difficult to remove.  I really would see if your problem is only the matrix pipe seals which can be fixed easily and cheaply before potentially wrecking the cooling system with K-Seal.

*That is only my opinion of course, others will have varying opinions*

Hi. 

 

It's been a couple of months now since I tried the K-Seal in the coolant system of the Focus and wanted to give an update on here in the case that anybody else may have had this issue or anybody looking to use K-Seal. 

 

Initially, I didn't think it was going to work as I think the worst anyway - especially with cars (my car 🤔🙄🙄😆) as I know a bit but I'm no technician. 

 

Luckily enough for my test of K-Seal with the coolant leak problem mentioned - it seems to have worked. 

I haven't had a leak since and my coolant level has maintained at the correct level. I have kept coolant with me on longer trips l, especially when we had the high 20 degrees / mid 30 degrees weather a month or so ago. 

 

I still intend to get the heater matrix investigated at some point but have spent a small fortune on this car upto now so will try to hold off for a while - just not too long as I'm aware that it will need to be looked at - potentially replaced. 

 

Thank you @TomsFocus 

Thank you @alanfp  

 

Thank you for your input, it's always appreciated. 

 

Focused87 😁

 

Thank you for taking the time to post an update. 🙂