I am custodian of
@greybeardgt blue roadster which i have had since 2019, those of you that know the car, will know he looked after it superbly, i have continued to do so.
It is a low mileage example less than 40k with very regular maintenance.
When the car has been standing for 3-4 days i have a coolant loss of approximately the difference between the hi and low levels on the reservoir.
It had new Toyota radiator and hoses 4 years ago and my local garage has pressure tested and checked all hoses whilst car is on the ramp. They did a 30 mile road test and could not see a leak.
I have just replaced the reservoir cap with a Gates one, should i have got a genuine toyota cap?
Would the actual reservoir have a leak?
There is no presence of "wetness" anywhere around it.
It could be coming from the water pump. The drip would end up on the undertray and then evaporate.
It's only a 'could be'.
Thank you, will investigate this
Quote from: Carolyn on Yesterday at 15:57It could be coming from the water pump. The drip would end up on the undertray and then evaporate.
It's only a 'could be'.
Carolyn, can i also add that temperature gauge does not move from half way even on a spirited 200 mile drive.
But coolant loss is noted once car has cooled.
I have lost about 500ml in 600 miles of driving.
Don't rely on the temperature gauge. If it moves upwards of 'normal', it's 'Oh shit' time.
Mine was losing coolant when temp 30+ but absolutely no sign of a leak anywhere!
Radiator replaced 2 years ago, water pump last year & system bled as per all the guides. Coolant level would stay level unless exterior temp was 30+ and then it would drop without any evidence >:(
I had tried 2 caps, the one that came with car so probably a 2001 cap & another that came with my replacement 2006 engine so a bit newer but same fault with both. On suggestion from another mk3 driver that I try a new one anyway, I did with a new blueprint item that I had in my spares and my coolant has been level since.
A leaking water pump was mentioned in the Mr T service notes that came with my 2002 2 when I bought it in 2011.
It was also mentioned, again by Mr T when I had a first service with them. No mention of it in either two or three subsequent and I couldn't find any trace of a leak when I took over the servicing myself.
My daily Ford is North of 100k and when I had the cam belt changed the Ford recommendation was to have the water pump changed.
The Service Manager , son of the Main Dealer owner. didn't agree , saying he had never had to replace a water pump on that engine type. Coming up to a second cam belt changed, might have it given a good looking at this time.
I rather like the
@SurreyMR2 suggestion of replacing the radiator cap. That was not uncommon to hear of in the 60's .
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on Yesterday at 19:45Don't rely on the temperature gauge. If it moves upwards of 'normal', it's 'Oh shit' time.
+1
Once up to temp, the 3 o'clock position, it remains rock solid. Fans can come on, but the needle does not move.
@SurreyMR2 Plugging in an obd dongle will reveal the true temps. They do move up and down. Just not the needle.
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on Yesterday at 19:45Don't rely on the temperature gauge. If it moves upwards of 'normal', it's 'Oh shit' time.
As someone once described the Celica temperature gauge it three position, Cold , Normal, Fire
Chilli my facelift 2002 had a supposed leak mentioned once or twice on its vehicle check. I never noticed anything in 9 years of ownership and to my knowledge is still the same!
Quote from: Hawko on Yesterday at 21:41As someone once described the Celica temperature gauge it three position, Cold , Normal, Fire
That made me smile.