Hey guys. Further to my reply to coolant leak below, and having no response I decided to start this. The car has started to use coolant that is not normal, I did a 20 mile drive today using blowers on and off. When I got home the expansion tank had dropped about an inch, needed 300ml to top up back to max. The car was fine when I first had it, drove the 40 miles home from where I bought it, no loss. This started a few days ago, and I would like to know what could be causing it, there are no obvious signs under the bonnet. I suspect something to do with blower use but there are no signs of anything in the footwells. Any help greatly appreciated.

There aren't many places coolant can go and you've pretty much got them sorted...

Under the bonnet - cracked coolant tank, faulty cap, radiator, thermostat housing, waterpump, hoses.

Inside - heater matrix (or pipes to it), should be able to smell it with the blowers on and see it condense on the windows even if the floor isn't wet.

In the engine - it's possible but very unlikely that it's getting into the oil through the oil cooler or headgasket, or into the exhaust through the headgasket.  As I say, very unlikely on these though.

Thanks for the prompt reply Tom, I'll have to do some more digging, but I think it's related to blower use, just not sure. I know the car had a new water pump fitted before I bought it.

Very strange, just checked the car again after topping it up earlier, now it is above max, I can't work this out. Something strange is going on. Can the expansion tank show a mid level after a run and then return to max after cool down?

18 hours ago, Stevesixty7 said:

Very strange, just checked the car again after topping it up earlier, now it is above max, I can't work this out. Something strange is going on. Can the expansion tank show a mid level after a run and then return to max after cool down?

I'm having similar issues with coolant. I'm, no expert but I thought that during running the level may appear lower but once cool it should go back up due to expansion under heat and contraction when its cold?

As above . Only check the coolant level when the engine is cold , ie: first thing in the morning. 

Coolant levels do go down and up with the engine running . So check only when cold . 

Update, it would seem to be coming from the engine bay as I had a 1 and a half mile drive to the supermarket earler and while the wife was in there I decided to have another look (not ideal in the dark but had an led torch) there was a pink coolant drip hanging (not dripping) from the bottom of the sump, and there was evidence that it came from higher up but I still couldn't locate the source. It's difficult during the week to have a good look as it's always dark when I get home from work. I need a dry weekend really to have a better chance of finding the source. What I can rule out are the expansion tank and cap. Make of this limited info what you will guys, this all started about a week ago but I have to get it sorted asap. Looks like I can rule blowers out though, footwells bone dry.

Thanks as usual.

Honestly, I'd check that waterpump again...  You'd be amazed how often the broken thing is the one that's recently been replaced!  Was there any indication of which side of the engine the coolant may have come from?

If you have a leak, air may get in where the water leaves, this air gets trapped in the system which can cause odd level readings on the bottle.

Ok so I finally spotted the leak, it's coming from the thermostat housing. Anyone have any idea of the cost for this fix?

At a rough estimate for a thermostat, housing and seal plus coolant I'd say £30-£50 for parts. Probably stick an hours labour on there too. 

40 minutes ago, stef123 said:

At a rough estimate for a thermostat, housing and seal plus coolant I'd say £30-£50 for parts. Probably stick an hours labour on there too. 

I'm tempted to have a go myself, I've fitted a new thermostat to my old Escort but that was a different story obviously with access etc.

Access isn't the best but it's not a difficult task. I'd say go for it if you can spare some of your own time.

So the jobs a good un, I ordered the part online for under 9 quid, got a mechanic mate to fit it for 15 quid, not worth messing yourself for that money. He even put his own antifreeze in, despite me having some of my own in the boot. Thermostat housing had a crack in it. Thanks all for the replies.

On 09/12/2017 at 10:08 PM, Stevesixty7 said:

So the jobs a good un, I ordered the part online for under 9 quid, got a mechanic mate to fit it for 15 quid, not worth messing yourself for that money. He even put his own antifreeze in, despite me having some of my own in the boot. Thermostat housing had a crack in it. Thanks all for the replies.

Glad you got it sorted mate, always good if it's a nice cheap fix!