Coolant Leak From Engine

[Stann]

I recently changed oil and filter on my 2000V Avensis 1.8SE and since then have noticed a slight leak of what I now think is coolant from the engine. Initially I thought it was an oil leak but after checking carefully I can visibly see that this is like oily water sipping upwards from exactly where the oil dipstick moulds with the engine just above the sump. The engine now overheats after a short drive and today I have noticed that is no heating coming inside the car, which suggests that the

coolant level is perhaps critically low.

Any ideas of what is causing this and how to treat the problem?

[gazza1286]

Your problem is the water pump. The bearing is failing and coolant is being lost from 'fail-safe' holes next to the pulley wheel. This is, like you say, directly above where the dip-stick enters the engine block.

The procedure to replace the water pump is complex, but fully covered in the Haynes Manual.

First thing to do if fill the coolant system using the metal cap on top of the radiator. Until you get it repaired you must keep topping up (daily if necessary) Just use water. It will be OK in the short term. It may be that you've been losing coolant for several weeks. The rate of loss will increase so get the fault repaired ASAP.

The part is around £30

Chargeable labour is around 3 hours. So expect to pay £125-£150.

You will be risking a head-gasket failure if you delay.........Very expensive.

[Stann]

Your problem is the water pump. The bearing is failing and coolant is being lost from 'fail-safe' holes next to the pulley wheel. This is, like you say, directly above where the dip-stick enters the engine block.

The procedure to replace the water pump is complex, but fully covered in the Haynes Manual.

First thing to do if fill the coolant system using the metal cap on top of the radiator. Until you get it repaired you must keep topping up (daily if necessary) Just use water. It will be OK in the short term. It may be that you've been losing coolant for several weeks. The rate of loss will increase so get the fault repaired ASAP.

The part is around £30

Chargeable labour is around 3 hours. So expect to pay £125-£150.

You will be risking a head-gasket failure if you delay.........Very expensive.

[Stann]

Thank you gazza, I had suspected the water pump but could not be sure as there is no sign of leakage directly from

water pump (it's all dry there) but just underneath as I just described.

If that is the case, I am relieved and hope there's no damage to the engine block or headgasket.

My local garage should be able to sort it out.