Red leak!

[ArosaOwner]

The other week I drove through a BIG puddle too FAST and my Arosa stalled and refused to start again. I got towed home, it dried off and it started working again the next day. The seat garage said there was nothing wrong with it but...

This is the same colour as my brake fluid. Is that what it is? Any idea what the leak is or whether it's serious? Is it likely to have been caused by the puddle? I have no idea how big the leak is or even if it's actually leaking at all?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jake

 

[1litre wonder]

i cant really see where that bit is located in general orientation to the rest of the engine to say if it could be brake fluid

 

[ArosaOwner]

Does this help? Some kind of gasket maybe? Thanks

 

[allallyouyou]

Hummmm, it looks like a type of gasket sealant, as appose to an actual leak? Are you sure this was not there prior to the water splash?

I carn't really imagine what else it could be? I know when hydralic fluid leaks thats red (power steering) but that on the picture don't look like its anything to do with the power steering?

 

[ArosaRacer]

Coolant gasket

 

[Ibiza Monkey]

What colours your antifreeze ( thin and will taste sickly sweet)? If its red it could be leaking out of that gasket. Also sometimes if you turn the steering without the engine running it can push a little bit of powersteering fluid (thats red to) out of the reservoir, this isnt a problem just check and top up

 

[1litre wonder]

yeah its just below the coolant hoses joint onto the block , and it looks as if the coolant gasket is/has been shot and needs replaced/could of already . wipe away all the red residue and see if it reappears

 

[ArosaOwner]

Thanks guys for your help. It is indeed the coolant gasket. I've topped the coolant up with the correct stuff and and shoved some sealant stuff in to see if that fixes it. I got the brake fluid and coolant fluid mixed up :/

 

[1litre wonder]

so you put brake fluid in the coolant :|

 

[ArosaOwner]

I think I might have done, yes. Pretty stupid of me actually. It was changed by the seat garage about 6 weeks later anyway. Also, it was already brown - meaning two types of fluid had been mixed before I even put the wrong stuff in.

 

[SoozArosa]

I've got this problem with mine, went to this garage I always take mine for the service and MOT so I know they'll do a good job and so ive been told it's just a leak but then I mentioned smelling fuel every now and then when I put my heaters on or I'm stationary for a while and they've said it could be the head gasket, got go for a combusion check at some poit, just hoping it isn't

 

[lunalupi]

I had a period when my Arosa stank of fuel and oil - turned out he'd got a split hose, which was an easy fix.

It may not be as bad as you expect

p.s. Have you noticed any odd smoke or fumes out of the back - if theres something wrong with the head gasket, I would expect smoke!

 

[SoozArosa]

That's what I got told as well of a friend I know and to check my oil cap and raditor cap for brown gungy stuff but I haven't got that or black smoke. Did it sort the problem out in the end then?

Hope it isn't too bad, don't want get rid of it just yet and if it is the head gasket it's either get it fixed or get rid of my baby

 

[1litre wonder]

I had a period when my Arosa stank of fuel and oil - turned out he'd got a split hose, which was an easy fix.

It may not be as bad as you expect

p.s. Have you noticed any odd smoke or fumes out of the back - if theres something wrong with the head gasket, I would expect smoke!

well expect steam anyway from the water from the cooling system getting into the chamber and evapourating as it leaves the car


you say sludgey oil ... thats not good .... only thing i can think of is A- its not had an oil change in litterally years B- dirt is manageing to get in to the system C- you could have a blown gasket

 

[TDI_luver]

That leak is coming from the thermostat housing , which is above the head gasket, so it's just a simple cooling leak - nothing to do with the head gasket at all. A small paper gasket needs replacing or you'll run out of coolant and overheat.

Then your head gasket will need replacing ....

 

[ArosaOwner]

I bought radiator sealant and it worked! Thanks for your help guys

 

[wabbit1]

Fan Belt Tensioner

Hi folks, sorry to butt in on this thread but I'm looking for a wee hand.

I need to tighten or maybe replace the belt which runs the engine to the alternator and power steering pump.

Does anyone know where the tensior is to do this ?

Many thanks

 

[TDI_luver]

IIRS the alternator is 'spring loaded' on its mountings...certainly mine is anyway. Just loosen the alternator bolts a little, and push down on the alternator to slacken off the belt. Therefore it tightens up to its correct tension automatically when you let go. Dont overtighten the belt tension beyond this or you will ruin the bearings.