StEVEN Posted March 16, 2007 Share Posted March 16, 2007 here click on the pics to enlarge... posted on behalf of Paul Abrahams..this is Pauls 1.8 VVC Can we have some ideas please on where you guys think the coolant leak (shown in pink) is coming from?... is it from the pipe above or higher up between the block and the head ..has anyone had a similar leak 🤔 Cheers Saw it wanted it 😬 was growing old got it! here C7 XSL and kill bill yellow 😶🌫️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian M Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Looks like it's coming from the water rail, that would be my first port of call. Ade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grubbster Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Mine had a similar problem- I assumed it was the water rail gasket but it wasn't - it was actually a pin hole in the weld between the water rail and mounting flange, fixed with a bit of lead by Redline. Roadsport build photo's here Le Mans 2004 photo's here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopQ1967 Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 I had a similar problem (1800 VVC, 1999). It was a pinhole in the elbow from the waterrail. Is there a drop hanging under the waterrail? Q. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinwhitcher Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Waterrail gasket without a doubt. Martin MW 51 CAT Superlight No.171 now known as:Superlight DVA 250 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul abrahams Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Thanks alot guys, *thumbup* I guess it's the water rail then 😬 😬 Probably a numpty question, but is it a drain down job to fix Cheers Steve have a good time in Monaco. But don't think of all those wasted upgrades 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 but is it a drain down job to fix yes sadly . and a new water rail gasket. Be carefull with the preparation of the 2 surfaces on re assembly. here is C7 TOP Taffia Area Rep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul abrahams Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Thanks Dave ☹️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bozz Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 It's also possible that the bolts are too long; bottoming out before they have compressed the gasket sufficiently. Bozz McLaren Orange and Black 1.6SS 6 Speed here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 I've had this kind of problem too. I tried a new gasket, but with no luck. In the end (this was a late night-special to get the engine running before a 250-mile trip to Emerald the next day) I loosened the bolts slightly and massaged in some instant-gasket goo into the crack (it was only leaking from the RHS). Worked a treat. Can't remember if I've had to remove the rail since then (two years ago now) - I suspect the mating faces aren't perfectly flat on mine. 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 Alcester Racing 7s Equipe™ 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 Alcester-Racing-Sevens.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Howe Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 If you are stuck for a gasket over the weekend - I've usually got half a dozen in the "spares department" and we are not too many miles apart. I'm here all day, though I might out of hearing range of the phone (01444 892127 or 07860 360 635). JH Deliveries by Saffron, the yellow 230bhp Sausage delivery machine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oilyhands Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 There is another problerm that commonly afflicts the water rail, and that is one of alignment. Wheh you repalce the gasket, bolt the rear flange on first and see if the fron of the rail is aligned properly with the side surface of the head, often these are p to 8mm away from the side of the head and when bolted up the bending moment causes the rear of the flange to leak. If you have this situation then use a spacer between the rail and the side of head so that is is not under any tension. Oily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Englishmaninwales Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 I've had every possible leak on mine. In addition to too long a bolt, pinhole in the weld and alignment, the mating face can be distorted and needs treatment with a file. Finally the locating bolt half way along the (earlier design) coolant rail fell out, allowing it to flex at the mating face and leak. Even looks home made. Horrid nasty bit of engineering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Sounds like mine was probably due to the situation Oily describes - ISTR the front end being far from snug with the block. 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 Alcester Racing 7s Equipe™ 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 🙆🏻 Alcester-Racing-Sevens.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul abrahams Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Thanks for all the replies Strange thing is I've just taken it for a run but there is no sign of any coolant loss this time. Is it something that can happen intermittently like this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinwhitcher Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 Yes depentant on load/revs/sealing of mating sufaces. Martin MW 51 CAT Superlight No.171 now known as:Superlight DVA 250 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris F Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 Have had exactly the same. Have got a new water rail to go on but not had a chance to do it yet. Maybe I'll have a look at the other options before I change the rail. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nov-07 Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 Surely, it is not the gasket. The pictures clearly show pink around the weld between the pipe and the flange - coolant would not get there if the gasket was leaking. I would check for pinholes or cracks in the weld. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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