[214cab]

I've noticed i've started to loose a bit of coolant this week but i can't trace any sign of a leak anywhere. There is no sign of mayo or anything similar in the oil, i only changed it 3 weeks ago and the oil is still nice and clean.

I can't see any visible signs of a leak from any of the coolant hoses / joints. Water pump was replaced 18 months / 15000 miles ago. Cap is holding pressure.

Any ideas on how to trace or where it might be going?

I'm thinking possible manifold gasket? I'm ruling out the head gasket on the basis of no water mixing with the oil.

The only clue i really have is after a drive i sometimes get a whiff of coolant, but i can't smell it when i lift the bonnet etc.

[rwd fan 2]

possible heater matrix leak??

[bobw]

I had a similar problem with mine just after I bought it. Traced it to the inlet manifold gasket. Difficult to spot if it's only a small leak. Mine was at the left hand (timing belt) end of the manifold and I had to look hard to see it. I replaced the gasket (which had been done before as it was a green one) with the new Viton one from Rimmers and have had no problems since.

[214cab]

Well its shown itself in style now! There is water leaking onto the exhaust manifold at the front which means its either:

a) HGF

b) Inlet Manifold at rear and running round the seams of the block.

Will get changed and get my spanners out to investigate further. No doubt i'll be back later for advise on changing the head gasket, testing the old head etc etc. (Or start looking for a new cabriolet....)

Luckily i do have access to a spare car so i can take a little time over repairing it...

[214cab]

Hmm still a bit stumped with this. I managed to replicate the leak and could see it leaking down the block, but then it seemed to stop.

I removed the exhaust manifold and cleaned the oil engine, and now (in approx the same area as the weeping on the block) i can see a bit of red gasket beading (i assume thats what it is).

I'm guessing this confirms the head gasket has blown, and it is roughly in the place that I could see the leak from when the manifold was in position. So next weekend will be me removing, and maybe replacing the gasket (assuming head isn't warped)