KV6 Known Leaks

ianfletcher · 23rd May 2010, 20:39

Can someone tell me all the known parts the coolant system can leak from on the kv6 as i'm going to get it pressure tested before i take it any further then hopefully if there is a leak it will show up then i know what part or parts i have to change

rrobson · 23rd May 2010, 20:48

obvious places being thermostat casing, pipes linking thermostat casing to engine, coolant bottle cap are probably most common ones, but could also be any one of the millions of pipes under the bonnet, rad, oil cooler, any connections. so quite a few places

stocktake · 23rd May 2010, 21:32

tstat housing and pipes
waterpump
pipes under rad at front
exp tank cap
exp tank

These would tend to be the main ones but as said, maze of pipes. look for pink staining.

Edit don't forget the rad it's self, known to leak on odd occasions.

kaiser · 24th May 2010, 03:48

And those are some of the outside leaks.
Inside leaks can be, but are not limited to:
leaks around the bottom of the liners, HGF, cracks in liners, cracks in block, seal at inlet manifolds to block.

The worst offenders are the plastic bits of the thermostat, which really are unsuitable for the application.

ianfletcher · 24th May 2010, 14:20

Been checking around the vee area for leaks as there are no signs of a leak anywhere else. When i squeeze any of the coolant pipes i can definately hear a noise like air is being sucked into something. Its not a loud noise but definately a air sucking sound.

Anyways it sounds as though it is coming from the right angled pipe (PEP103270) that is next to the thermostat. Now the last time i changed these parts this one was split over half the way of it where it pushes into the engine so looks like i may of found the culprit.

Is this pipe usually the most common to to break first out of the 3 parts just so i know i could be correct in thinking its the part at fault?

kaiser · 24th May 2010, 17:52

The pipes are made of two half molds. They are fond of splitting along the seam. They will split when hot with pressure, and close again when the engine cools down. This is the same issue as with the T-piece for the 1.8T.

You will find it difficult at times to see the split, the easiset way is to see it on the inside whence taken off. It will look like a small black hair against the colour of the deposits on the wall of the pipe. Once you know what to look for, you will easily see it. If you are not aware, you might overlook it.

You know what the solution is!

kevin · 25th May 2010, 05:48

on my old v6 I fould the leak at the seal where the top hose gose into the rad.

ianfletcher · 25th May 2010, 07:47

When replacing the thermostat and pipes can the old plastic clips that hold the straight piece in place be used again as the new metal kit isn't coming with any?

23rd May 2010, 20:39	#1
ianfletcher I really should get out more....... BMW 1 series Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bolton Posts: 2,094 Thanks: 12 Thanked 40 Times in 36 Posts	KV6 Known Leaks Can someone tell me all the known parts the coolant system can leak from on the kv6 as i'm going to get it pressure tested before i take it any further then hopefully if there is a leak it will show up then i know what part or parts i have to change

23rd May 2010, 21:32	#3
stocktake Vis Whiz Rover 75 2.5 auto Saloon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LEEDS Posts: 20,586 Thanks: 2,057 Thanked 3,056 Times in 1,621 Posts	tstat housing and pipes waterpump pipes under rad at front exp tank cap exp tank These would tend to be the main ones but as said, maze of pipes. look for pink staining. Edit don't forget the rad it's self, known to leak on odd occasions. __________________ Dave... Lost a few stones and a Gall Bladder and part of a bile duct and all of my dignity in the suppository incident

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23rd May 2010, 20:48	#2
rrobson I really should get out more....... 75 tourer cdti, MG ZS 180, nissan terrano & 1.8t rover 25 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pontefract Posts: 2,643 Thanks: 17 Thanked 295 Times in 218 Posts	obvious places being thermostat casing, pipes linking thermostat casing to engine, coolant bottle cap are probably most common ones, but could also be any one of the millions of pipes under the bonnet, rad, oil cooler, any connections. so quite a few places

24th May 2010, 03:48	#4
kaiser This is my second home 75 Tourer 2.5 Auto, 1.8T, 75V8ZT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johannesburg ZA Posts: 6,200 Thanks: 1 Thanked 859 Times in 613 Posts	And those are some of the outside leaks. Inside leaks can be, but are not limited to: leaks around the bottom of the liners, HGF, cracks in liners, cracks in block, seal at inlet manifolds to block. The worst offenders are the plastic bits of the thermostat, which really are unsuitable for the application.

24th May 2010, 14:20	#5
ianfletcher I really should get out more....... BMW 1 series Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bolton Posts: 2,094 Thanks: 12 Thanked 40 Times in 36 Posts	Been checking around the vee area for leaks as there are no signs of a leak anywhere else. When i squeeze any of the coolant pipes i can definately hear a noise like air is being sucked into something. Its not a loud noise but definately a air sucking sound. Anyways it sounds as though it is coming from the right angled pipe (PEP103270) that is next to the thermostat. Now the last time i changed these parts this one was split over half the way of it where it pushes into the engine so looks like i may of found the culprit. Is this pipe usually the most common to to break first out of the 3 parts just so i know i could be correct in thinking its the part at fault?

24th May 2010, 17:52	#6
kaiser This is my second home 75 Tourer 2.5 Auto, 1.8T, 75V8ZT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johannesburg ZA Posts: 6,200 Thanks: 1 Thanked 859 Times in 613 Posts	The pipes are made of two half molds. They are fond of splitting along the seam. They will split when hot with pressure, and close again when the engine cools down. This is the same issue as with the T-piece for the 1.8T. You will find it difficult at times to see the split, the easiset way is to see it on the inside whence taken off. It will look like a small black hair against the colour of the deposits on the wall of the pipe. Once you know what to look for, you will easily see it. If you are not aware, you might overlook it. You know what the solution is!

25th May 2010, 05:48	#7
kevin I really should get out more....... ford focus ghia Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: herts Posts: 2,553 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	on my old v6 I fould the leak at the seal where the top hose gose into the rad.

25th May 2010, 07:47	#8
ianfletcher I really should get out more....... BMW 1 series Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bolton Posts: 2,094 Thanks: 12 Thanked 40 Times in 36 Posts	When replacing the thermostat and pipes can the old plastic clips that hold the straight piece in place be used again as the new metal kit isn't coming with any?