Losing Water Gradually :(

[ColinC]

I noticed a while back when checking over my newly purchased Celica that the coolant was quite low - it took three or four small glasses to fill it up (I also put a few more glasses into the additional plastic container beside the Battery, as there was only a small amount in the bottom). Since topping it up I had done 300 or 400 miles (mostly short journeys) and the level hadn't gone down again.

Then at the weekend I did a long journey (roud trip of 250 miles), and gave the Celica a bit of revving and heavy right foot action along the way to make sure all was ok with the engine. After I got back, the water had dropped again. This time it only took 1 small glass of water.

So it seems the car loses water gradually over long journeys / when driven hard. Is this normal?

I've checked the fan, it's working ok. I can sometimes hear the "water flowing" sound after starting up the car - I've been told this is coolant flowing into the heat-exchanger inside the passenger compartment - this means there is air in the system I think.

I'm just hoping it might be a water pump prob, and not the head gasket

BTW, she's a gen 6, 1996 car, 114,000 on the clock.

[daktari]

Start with the basics. Check the rad for dampness along the bottom edge and around the hose connectors. Investing in a new rad cap is a good idea too as they can lose their effectiveness over time. Check around the water pump and any other hoses. Don`t forget the two heater hoses that go through the bulkhead.

For what it`s worth, my money`s on the rad cap.

[ColinC]

Start with the basics. Check the rad for dampness along the bottom edge and around the hose connectors. Investing in a new rad cap is a good idea too as they can lose their effectiveness over time. Check around the water pump and any other hoses. Don`t forget the two heater hoses that go through the bulkhead.

For what it`s worth, my money`s on the rad cap.

Thanks daktari, I'm hoping it's just the rad cap! I'll some of the areas you mentioned tomorrow, but I don't know where the bulkhead is?

When is the best time to check for the dampness? Just after doing a long journey?

[daktari]

Start with the basics. Check the rad for dampness along the bottom edge and around the hose connectors. Investing in a new rad cap is a good idea too as they can lose their effectiveness over time. Check around the water pump and any other hoses. Don`t forget the two heater hoses that go through the bulkhead.

For what it`s worth, my money`s on the rad cap.

Thanks daktari, I'm hoping it's just the rad cap! I'll some of the areas you mentioned tomorrow, but I don't know where the bulkhead is?

When is the best time to check for the dampness? Just after doing a long journey?

After the cars thoroughly warmed up is the best time. The water system should by then be presurised and this will in turn try to force the water out of any weak areas, Checking the bottom of the rad could be a pain if you still have the engine undertray fitted. But have as good a look as you can.

The bulkhead is behind the engine, between engine and cabin, where all the cables and pipes disappear as if by magic.