First post.

Mark 1 1.8 ghia Focus. Total coolant leak causing problems to get to my garage without breaking down.

It seems the leak is coming from a split plastic pipe attached to the bonnet which then joins up to 3 conventional hoses via jubilee type clips. Is this plastic pipe actually the top radiator hose?

I intend to get some emergency repair tape from Halfords tomorrow in the hope I can drive it the 18 miles to my garage. Do you think this will work?

many thanks

James. The only pipes attached to the bonnet should be for the windscreen washers and nothing to do with the cooling system. If a cooling system hose has been attached to the bonnet it suggests someone had done a real bodge job on the car at some point. The top radiator hose will be about 2 inches in diameter. Best way to find that is to follow the hose coming from the top of the radiator.

If the cooling system is leaking anywhere it is most likely from the thermostat housing as these are plastic and after a number of years these start to warp and then leak. It should be on the righthand side of the engine as you face it from the front of the car.

what he says ^^^

Many thanks for your quick replies. I must apologise for what I now realise was a totally misleading and ridiculous description of the said faulty part. I'll try again!

Open the bonnet and look staright down, parallel with the enine block, is a plastic pipe just a little over a foot long. This has 3 outlets attaching to rubber hoses attached by jubilee type clips. This pipe is attached to the front of the car by 2 small screws. Is this the thermostat housing? I have had this car for 10 years and it has not been subject to anything odd so I should be talking about a standard part.

thanks again

This would appear to be the offending item.

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/images_orig/1108264/1.jpg

Does anyone know whether I would be able to temporarily repair it using pipe and hose repair tape for long enough to drive for about half an hour to the garage?

thanks

I would say you would be fine with the repair. Do the repair, run the engine and if leak free.... set off for the garage. Keep your eyes glued to the temp gauge and perhaps stop half way and check coolant level.

Alternatively, order the part and fit it yourself at home. good luck.

thank you

James if your going to drive it leaking to the garage I,d leave the coolant resiviour cap off so the system doesn't pressurise and you won't loose as mch coolant on the journey .