Coolant Loss

[Hassleheff]

Evening,

Had the engine overheating warning flash up on the way home, pulled over and coolant completely empty!

Couldn't spot any leaks but got AA out for a second opinion, they re-filled and pressure tested the system with no loss of pressure (when hot or cold) at all and no obvious leaks. AA followed me home, checked coolant again and said it looked marginally down on where he had filled it back to but again no leaks to be seen anywhere.

Basically been advised to take it in to main dealer because the car only had its 'mega' 5 year service 2 weeks ago.

Any ideas on phantom coolant leaks in 200s?

Cheers!

 

[Mattb_197]

There's only two places it can go, out as a leak or mixing with the oil = blown head gasket!

Any mayo like substances under the oil filler cap and/or coolant expansion cap?

 

[Hassleheff]

No not at all, thank god!

 

[Mattb_197]

Might sound like a stupid theory but will the pressure test taken into account the cars heating system? Did he do it with the heaters set to full/hot?

That's the only other place I can think of where it might be leaking from that wouldn't get picked up by a pressure test if they were turned off.

 

[Hassleheff]

Just been out to check on it after being stood still for a couple of hours and there is now a definite drip coming from the underside, cant see where from though, and the coolant has dropped (not by much but definitely dropped).

 

[montana]

Just been out to check on it after being stood still for a couple of hours and there is now a definite drip coming from the underside, cant see where from though, and the coolant has dropped (not by much but definitely dropped).

Removing your undertray (4 bolts) will give you good access to the lower part of the radiator and pipework, check these, especially the pipe that runs across the front of the sump as they rub.

 

[chris1888-197]

Check your drivers footwell and passenger footwell just in the off chance the heater matrix is leaking, if it is your carpet will be damp/wet.

 

[Hassleheff]

Cheers for the advice, gone in to main dealer as work have just told me i've got breakdown warranty cover with the AA.

 

[Jimmy]

Not sure if this will be helpful or not, but my thermostat housing was leaking coolant and needed replacing. Could be another thing to check?

 

[Hassleheff]

Thanks for all the ideas, if main dealer draws a blank I will pass them a checklist based on this thread.

My main concern is that something has been manhandled / ****ted whilst they were changing the timing belt and general servicing.

 

[Hassleheff]

Just been sent a video by the garage of the radiator absolutely gushing coolant everywhere. (Seems odd as the system would be drained in seconds rather than the 2+ weeks it took for it to be lost on me...).

Also been told its £495 for a new radiator and fitting?!

It should be covered under AA breakdown warranty but that seems insane?

 

[Sean197]

£65 for the radiator - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-alloy...pe:197&hash=item2caa9e4d5e:g:Xg8AAOSwJblXANnw

so that's £430 inc. VAT for labour. I think the Renault book time for fitting an air-con condenser is 5 hours, so it looks like it's about 4 hours for a radiator.

 

[Hassleheff]

So Renault main dealer charge the same per-hour as a junior / mid level solicitor....interesting.

 

[Mattb_197]

How long have you owned the car? It should be covered anyway if it's less than 3 months, your AA warranty might cover it if it's longer than that but it all depends on the warranty and small print! Sometimes they are a bit crap and only cover catastrophic failures such as engine/gearbox with everything else up to the owner.

There are plenty of Renault specialists about, if you can get it done under warranty then great but if not I'd be taking it to one of those over a dealer any day as they'll likely do a better job and won't ask you to bend over when they give you the bill.