Question after topping up coolant

[Sam_M]

Hi folks

I had to top up my coolant today, started the car after work(car was cold after sitting for 9hrs and the coolant warning flashed up.

Took maybe 2-300ml to get it back to minimum in the tank. After reading up on here general consensus seems to be that it's not unusual for the N55 to use a bit of coolant.

The car's done 52k, had a stat and waterpump recently so I guess it could be the expansion tank starting to go. Either way will monitor it.

So anyway... after topping up the coolant I started her up with the cap off briefly and noticed a small stream of coolant inside the expansion tank, it was coming from the bleed screw area and landing in the middle of the expansion tank.

Is that normal?

thanks

Sam

[ShocknAwe]

Normal as long as the stream you saw is inside the tank.

That said, make sure the bleed screw is set properly.

[CivicDuty]

Yes, that's where the coolant returns to the expansion tank. As I have recently replaced my tank I would caution you that mine went suddenly. It split at the seam where the two halves (upper/lower) join together.

Good luck!

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Normal as long as the stream you saw is inside the tank.

That said, make sure the bleed screw is set properly.

Haha yeah inside the tank!

How do you set the bleed screw correctly?

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by CivicDuty

Yes, that's where the coolant returns to the expansion tank. As I have recently replaced my tank I would caution you that mine went suddenly. It split at the seam where the two halves (upper/lower) join together.

Good luck!

Thanks, will keep an eye on it, wouldn't surprise me if it is the tank starting to go but lets see

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by CivicDuty

Yes, that's where the coolant returns to the expansion tank. As I have recently replaced my tank I would caution you that mine went suddenly. It split at the seam where the two halves (upper/lower) join together.

Good luck!

Came here to say this too. I'm not sure I would call coolant loss normal, defintely something that needs a closer look. Check for any coolant all around the expansion tank, especially after a longer ride where the car is fully up to temp. Also check all the other coolant hoses and couplers for apparent leaks (the upper radiator hose on my car had a split in the plastic recently that was leading to a small coolant leak). White or green dried out residue might be signs of a coolant leak somewhere as well.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Sam_M

Haha yeah inside the tank!

How do you set the bleed screw correctly?

Close it!

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Close it!

So just make sure its nipped up tight? And that little stream will continue even with it fully tight?

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by dtla1

Came here to say this too. I'm not sure I would call coolant loss normal, defintely something that needs a closer look. Check for any coolant all around the expansion tank, especially after a longer ride where the car is fully up to temp. Also check all the other coolant hoses and couplers for apparent leaks (the upper radiator hose on my car had a split in the plastic recently that was leading to a small coolant leak). White or green dried out residue might be signs of a coolant leak somewhere as well.

OK, will have a good poke around and see if I can spot anything. Thanks

Seemed like there are loads of posts on here about these using coolant, only a handful actually found a leak!

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Sam_M

So just make sure its nipped up tight? And that little stream will continue even with it fully tight?

Pretty sure thats what I observed when I did my coolant flush. I'd recommend checking out a youtube video or well rated DIY to confirm as I am not an expert.

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by dtla1

Came here to say this too. I'm not sure I would call coolant loss normal, defintely something that needs a closer look. Check for any coolant all around the expansion tank, especially after a longer ride where the car is fully up to temp. Also check all the other coolant hoses and couplers for apparent leaks (the upper radiator hose on my car had a split in the plastic recently that was leading to a small coolant leak). White or green dried out residue might be signs of a coolant leak somewhere as well.

So then, after another low coolant warning I had a better poke around under the bonnet.

The coolant sensor on the head above the thermostat pipe had worked loose, coolant was bubbling past the threads and there was residue on the thermostat pipe.

Took it out, examined the threads, no issues there thankfully. Grabbed a 22mm deep socket from the the local auto parts shop, fitted it back, topped up the coolant and ran a bleed.

After a spirited drive checked again and no leaks.

Will keep a close eye on things.

[JM98]

I do the bleeding procedure every time I top off, if not I usually see a coolant warning light after a few days of driving.

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by JM98

I do the bleeding procedure every time I top off, if not I usually see a coolant warning light after a few days of driving.

Yep seems wise.

Touch wood it's been fine since I found the issue.

[Mr Gasser]

^^^its been over a week, how's your car doing? no warning light?

[Sam_M]

Originally Posted by Mr Gasser

^^^its been over a week, how's your car doing? no warning light?

It's been totally fine. Cold coolant level is static, no more warnings. I don't seem to be losing any coolant