Saxo coolant light coming on. - Saxperience

geo1903 · 30th August 2009, 21:03

Saxo 1.2 T red, 75,000 miles

Car appears to run as normal but after maybe 8 miles the temp warning light comes on. No signs of overheating although its used maybe used 1.5ltrs (!) of water since yesterday (3 x 15 miles journeys). Replaced the thermostat but it seems to have made no difference.

No signs of water in the oil or vice versa. Head gasket got replaced and the head skimmed about 10,000 miles ago.

Whats the next step? Anything else I can (easily) check out?

Cheers for any replies folks.

Ramsay · 30th August 2009, 21:05

leak in the radiator ? needing bled ?

byrnes · 30th August 2009, 21:05

Any help would be nice got the exact same problem.

geo1903 · 30th August 2009, 21:15

No leak in the radiator or any of the pipes. (not obvious ones anyway).

Draining and refilling was probably going to be the next step. Doesnt tell me where the missing waters going though?

byrnes · 30th August 2009, 21:25

Same mate, im filling the container with water and it just dissapears within 10 or so miles. where i dont know?

geo1903 · 30th August 2009, 21:35

I'm just wondering if this could be a leaking heater matrix or something connected to it? Is that a common problem on a Saxo?

stevo67 · 30th August 2009, 21:52

a radiator can look okay,but the best way of finding out is to have your coolant system pressure tested,this will identify any leaks you have.

Steve.

Stevo123 · 30th August 2009, 22:59

Check radiator cap is not knackered, often seal can be damaged and water will just come straight out the rad from the cap. If not then its looking like HG again unfortunately. If we look at it objectively the water must be going somewhere (as either steam or water).

VJOFurio · 31st August 2009, 00:23

I think the cooling systems are Saxo's real weak spot! I remember being in convoy with a load of Saxos at French Car Show and all i could hear were the fans kicking in left right and centre.
But yes, I definitely would recommend a pressure test, I had one and it identifies any leaking in the system. Mine loses coolant too over a period of time, I think as steam though!

Lew_C · 31st August 2009, 10:45

sounds about the time the water pump would pack in?

geo1903 · 31st August 2009, 11:01

Could be Lew, but wheres the `missing` water going?

Drove about 20 miles this morning. No warning light come on. No signs of overheating (steam, obvious water leak etc) but still used about a litre of water.

Theres no gunge (oil mixed with water) on the oil cap, dipstick, radiator cap or even inside the rocker cover.

Lew_C · 31st August 2009, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by geo1903

Could be Lew, but wheres the `missing` water going?

Drove about 20 miles this morning. No warning light come on. No signs of overheating (steam, obvious water leak etc) but still used about a litre of water.

Theres no gunge (oil mixed with water) on the oil cap, dipstick, radiator cap or even inside the rocker cover.

With all your symptoms it really does sound like your HG isnt gone but it really doesnt have to show any signs it depends where it has actually gone from what causes different symptoms.

When a water pump goes it just drains water there isn't a leak or anything, can't specifically tell you where it goes haha. But that does sound about right mate, and at 75,000 it sounds as if it's time for it to go.. any ideas when the cambelt was last done? The water pumps would generally be changed at the same time you see.

geo1903 · 31st August 2009, 12:49

Cam belt was replaced when the head gasket was replaced. The water pump wasnt replaced at the time.

Lew_C · 31st August 2009, 12:57

Ah, could be your problem then mate!

Mike-VTR · 31st August 2009, 13:08

1.2 T saxo

those ones are rare

geo1903 · 31st August 2009, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike-VTR

1.2 T saxo

those ones are rare

Ooops, its a 1.1.

byrnes · 31st August 2009, 14:37

Im gonna take mine to my m8s garage tmorow, ill let you know what he says cos i have the exact same problem as you.

geo1903 · 1st September 2009, 21:51

How did you get on fella?

geo1903 · 12th October 2009, 10:16

After changing the thermostat my problem went away for a while, no water loss and no red light.

However, its back! Theres a glaring leak at the inlet manifold core plug which obviously needs replaced.

Our local dealer does not have one in stock and would have to order one in. Thats not a problem obviously but it'd be handy if I could find the (exact) size of it so I can maybe source a non genuine one from a local motor factors.

Anyone forumites done this job before? Does the inlet manifold need removed? I think it'd be a lot easier to fit a new one with it off, or even just loosened off the head to twist it up a bit?

I got the part number (23215) but a google search didnt show up any Citreon bits :-(

geo1903 · 12th October 2009, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by geo1903

I got the part number (23215) but a google search didnt show up any Citreon bits :-(

That should say, didnt show up any sizes. (sorry)