Toyota Carina E 1.8

[joobjoob]

1997 model
Found expansion tank and radiator out of water.
Filled up with water to the correct levels.
Checked bottom and top hoses for leaks/abrasions etc all ok.
No apparent water leaks showing below radiator or expansion tank.
No water ingess showing on oil dipstick.
Oil filler cap clean of water ingress.
Radiator had anti-freeze initially and up to last water check that I noticed system was in need of attention ie water.
So I left the car for 24 hours +/- rechecked and water level in expansion tank was zero, water level in radiator down it took 1-1/5 litres to fill up.
I did NOT start car since attending to filling up rad and exp tank.
Where is it all going!
I must post a HELLO on introduction forum now.
PS Is it safe to use car without anti-freeze during the summer months?

Looking forward to some kindly advice.
Thank You

[petroleum]

Have you checked the oil level. Have you checked the inside of the car for any water on the carpets incase the heater matrix radiator is leaking? Whilst you are checking things out. i dont see any reason to worry about not having antifreeze in it.

[Finchyman]

I had the same: found expansion tank cap to be blocked. When car was driven fast, water expanded but could not enter expansion tank. (must have gone somewhere). When engine cooled down and the water shrank in volume causing a vacuum, water or air could not be sucked from the expansion tank. eventually the vacuum disappeared (also must have gone somewhere). Suspected cylinder head but hadn't seen steam from exhaust, was running properly, no funny pinking or knocking. I spoke to a couple of people from Toyota sn read a few blogs who said when the pump is quite old it still works but the rubber seals leak. I checked around the pump but couldn't find any water as the engine was now hot. I did notice, however, that there were red stains with little glittery pieces stuck around a hole in the pump body. I noticed the same deposits around the rad filler cap.

Next job for me is to replace the pump... Hope it works and sounds logical.