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[mardibloke]

Have a 2002 2.2 Turbo Diesel, just turned 72,000 miles, that coolant level is dropping on.

Can do 3 or 4 hours on motorway, at steady 65/70 and water temp stays under half, as it always has done.  But coolant level drops.

Dropped it into local garage, and they say it needs a head gasket.

Is this a common problem,  and I should just get it done, or should I get them to take a closer look for leaks?

[GaryBC]

With a garage going straight for the head gasket I'd presume they were touting for business!!

Surely there are many simpler/quicker/cheaper possibilities to check first?

[mardibloke]

They say they put something in the coolant,  and it changes colour if "engine gases" in the coolant.  Which it did.

I checked the oil as soon as it started happening, and no signs of water in the oil.

That's why I wondered if there were common pipes/valves to check on the 2.2 Turbo Diesel that I could inspect.

[Mr Skrunts]

Do you see any signs of water loss arround the engine, have you checked the loss with the heater oo/off on a run.  One of the most common area's for a water leak is the HBV, mabe worth doing a bit more home work.

[mardibloke]

Thanks for tips,  will get car back from garage and take a look at the HBV.

Would you expect more likely coolant loss with heater off or on?

[mardibloke]

Just worked out, done 900 miles, and about 7 litres of water - car appears to start and run fine.

Would I expect to see water literally pissing out of the HBV once car up to temperature?

[dbr]

Do you see any signs of water loss arround the engine, have you checked the loss with the heater oo/off on a run.  One of the most common area's for a water leak is the HBV, mabe worth doing a bit more home work.

My HBV valve leaking..2.5 petrol, the leak is worst when heaters set to cold. Leak stops when they are set to hot.

[PhilRich]

If you have no evidence of water in the oil or oil in the coolant bottle is there any sign of the cooling system pressurising?
1) Are the radiator hoses getting rock hard as the system heats up?
2) Is there evidence of 'air bubbles' entering the expansion bottle through the small diameter hoses?
3) Is coolant venting out of the expansion bottle filler cap (can you see steam coming from the right hand side of the bonnet near the windscreen)?

The test you describe is NOT infallible!, if there has been ANY contamination of the coolant by petroleum based products (oil, petrol etc) from ANY source, the test will show Positive. It could simply be that you have topped up the coolant using a container that has previously held or been contaminated by oil or petrol or even Plus Gas!

I reckon you should start by eliminating the obvious potential leak spots such as HBV & hoses before doing anything further. I wouldn't trust this to a garage, especially the one you've just used! If you're not able/willing to do it yourself, find someone on here that will do it for you, there are several excellent guys here who can fettle your problems far better & cheaper than any Dealer or Independant Garage, it just depends on where you are located & who is available? HTH 

[mardibloke]

Thanks - great advice.

3) certainly not seen coolant venting from expansion bottle

Was puzzled yesterday as could not find the Heater Bypass Valve - think I have found it now, on my 2.2TD it appears much more accessible, in front of the engine down below the air box.  Funnily enough before I dropped it to the garage it was the one place I could see a small amount of water.

Anyone local to west Cardiff that fancies some coffee and cash to change it, and flush the coolant would be very welcome,  else will drop it back to the garage and get them to change the HBV.

[Glassback]

Thanks - great advice.

3) certainly not seen coolant venting from expansion bottle

Was puzzled yesterday as could not find the Heater Bypass Valve - think I have found it now, on my 2.2TD it appears much more accessible, in front of the engine down below the air box.  Funnily enough before I dropped it to the garage it was the one place I could see a small amount of water.

Anyone local to west Cardiff that fancies some coffee and cash to change it, and flush the coolant would be very welcome,  else will drop it back to the garage and get them to change the HBV.

Does yours have the cabin heater, located just in front of the drivers side front wheel? It looks like a shiny box with a little exhaust on it. If so have a look for leaks there, these tend to leak after a few years use.