1.8T Cooling Questions

[Stewbacca]

Hello all

Got a couple of quick questions relating to a 1.8T which I realise have been asked a million times on here which is part of the trouble. I have spent an hour or so trying to do searches but there is so much information it is tricky to pick out the relevant posts without wading through them all...

My problem relates to a slight coolant loss. Had my 1.8T ZT for almost two years and have checked the coolant level religiously twice a week since I have had it and the coolant has, up to the last six weeks or so, been rock steady. Now I am noticing that I am losing coolant. Currently I have to top up around 50ml per week. Not horrendous I know but worrying none the less.

There is slight pink staining around the plastic tee (new alloy one is on order through Yella Fella on here) suggesting a slight weep and there appears to be dampness on the rear of the engine block implying inlet manifold gasket though since I don’t have an under tray I wonder if it could just be road water splashing up as there is no pink tinge (but even with the aid of a torch its not easy to make it out).

As a minimum I will be replacing the gasket and swapping to the metal tee (as and when it arrives).

My questions relate to the radiator cap as this has also been suggested as a potential problem area. Mine is now very tough to remove, not due to any over pressure, it just appears to be sticking. Can the seals be lubricated with high temperature silicone grease or is replacement in order. If so what rated replacement cap would be needed for the 1.8T or is it better/quicker/cheaper to simply to replace the ‘O’ ring seals and if so does anyone know where to get them from and if there is a relevant part number.

Lots to wade through there, sorry chaps, but I hope you can help...

[Jay160]

i bet your small loss is down to your t piece and its on its way out ..

new t-piece new manifold gasket check your hoses very carefully for small pin holes

as for the cap . i just got new viton seals off fleabay for a few pounds

a good tight cap is good with new seals

[kaiser]

The main areas to check are cap, water pump, T-piece, inlet manifold.
The expansion box can be fitted with a sight glass, saves you taking the cap off all the time to check.

If you check under the oil filler cap, it should be dry on a hot engine. If you have water or mayonnaise here, a sign of water getting lost internally.

[Stewbacca]

Originally Posted by kaiser

The main areas to check are cap, water pump, T-piece, inlet manifold.
The expansion box can be fitted with a sight glass, saves you taking the cap off all the time to check.

If you check under the oil filler cap, it should be dry on a hot engine. If you have water or mayonnaise here, a sign of water getting lost internally.

Water pump was changed earlier in the year when I had my belts and tensioner changed by MG mobile mechanic Dave.

Oil filler cap is dry with no mayo so it would appear to be the usual suspects then...

[Stewbacca]

Originally Posted by Jay160

i bet your small loss is down to your t piece and its on its way out ..

new t-piece new manifold gasket check your hoses very carefully for small pin holes

as for the cap . i just got new viton seals off fleabay for a few pounds

a good tight cap is good with new seals

Would you have a link to the to the ebay supplier?

What size did you specify?

[Jay160]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rover-75-M...f75c19b&_uhb=1

there you go

[Stewbacca]

Originally Posted by Jay160

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rover-75-M...f75c19b&_uhb=1

there you go

Many thanks for that. New 'o' rings ordered.

This is why I think this club/community is so special, everyone is so helpful