Coolant leak from engine seal

[Badball]

Hi guys,

I have just discovered I am another victim of the dreaded coolant leak behind the timing cover. It only leaks when it's cold and was thinking of just leaving it. Pretty sure it's been leaking for a while now and only just found where it has been leaking from as I have had to add coolant of approximately 300ml in the past 6 months. Has anyone just left it and just keep on topping it up when required rather than spending a shite load of coin for reseal of a common problem?

Cheers
Brad

[JonnoDe]

The only problem is that with a coolant leak, not only are you losing coolant, but you are also losing pressure from your cooling system. The whole point of having a closed cooling system is that when the pressure rises, so does the boiling point of the coolant/water. So at 110 degrees, your coolant is not boiling. Now as soon as that radiator cap comes off, the pressure drops to atmosphere- rapidly boiling the coolant, and you get a burning fountain.

But with a leaking system, you can actually drive around, with boiling coolant circulating your block. As it boils steam is also produced. And steam has something like 4 times the heat energy as water. All happening inside your engine.

So it's best to have a sealed coolant and radiator system.

[Alitis007]

Hi guys, I have just discovered I am another victim of the dreaded coolant leak behind the timing cover. It only leaks when it's cold and was thinking of just leaving it. Pretty sure it's been leaking for a while now and only just found where it has been leaking from as I have had to add coolant of approximately 300ml in the past 6 months. Has anyone just left it and just keep on topping it up when required rather than spending a shite load of coin for reseal of a common problem? Cheers Brad

What motor/ car is this for ???

[mudski]

What motor/ car is this for ???

Going by his sig George I reckon its the 3Ltr. Is an issue with these motors apparently. But it could be the TB motor...

[Badball]

Yer it's a 3ltr. Understand the pressure required for the radiator, it doesn't leak once it's warm. Will have to get it repaired before my trip to the Kimberly next year either way as I'm not going to risk it.