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2005 C4 2.0HDI hatch coolant leak- advice on likely problem area	Please Register to enjoy additional Member Benefits

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ken1202 United Kingdom

Wed Feb 15 2017, 05:12pm

Member No: #1425

Joined: Oct 25 2007
Location: West Cumbria

Hello,
My normally reliable trusty C4 has developed a sudden serious coolant loss, ie the head tank can empty in less than a ten mile journey.
Looking under the car the leakage is from the rear of the engine, but the exact source can't be seen due to the congested nature of this area. What can be seen is coolant dripping out of the aluminium "clam shell shaped" heat shield which surrounds the exhaust catalyst unit.
Oddly there is no leakage when the car is left idling + occasional revving for an hour but when driven normally the head tank will empty within 10 miles. I tried a Radweld+ treatment without success.
No leakage can be observed from all readily visible hoses, radiator, heater core and water pump areas.
Possible sources could be the head gasket, heater hoses, a core plug or the difficult to inspect plumbing + heat exchanger + coolant flow electrovalve which sit between the top of the engine and the bulkhead.
Any advice or experience of this fault gratefully accepted.

KenC

Wed Feb 15 2017, 07:18pm

Member No: #18024

Joined: Feb 12 2011
Location: Derby

Did you have antifreeze in? The thermostat housing can warp and leak but that's not in the position you have your leak.
Aldi sell endoscope kit that you could get in the tight areas!

ken1202 United Kingdom

Thu Feb 16 2017, 12:19pm

Member No: #1425

Joined: Oct 25 2007
Location: West Cumbria

Car has (or had) 50% Citroen long life antifreeze.

Removed the plastic scuttle trim today to allow a better look behind the engine with my cheapo ebay USB mini camera. Camera was unnecessary as leakage point was immediately obvious ie the push/snap on heater return hose connection was loose due to incorrect fitting of the retaining spring. This unfortunately is just one more example to add to my long list of shoddy workmanship carried out by my local Arnold Clark when they replaced my engine some time ago.

KenC

Thu Feb 16 2017, 01:46pm

Member No: #18024

Joined: Feb 12 2011
Location: Derby

At least you found it


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