164 coolant leak

[Ronald]

Well, gather 'round, children...

In preparing for Sunday, I decided to get the vacuum cleaner out and have a bit of a tidy.

I've been without the Super since September (long story) but have managed to get it back in time for the record attempt.

Lifted the front mats out to get at the carpeting (have you guessed where this is going yet?) and found passenger footwell carpet quite damp. Slightly sticky, and sweet-tasting. Now, I don't think it's a very big leak, as the coolant level hasn't dropped appreciably, but the car does get "steamy" inside. So I'm thinking either heater matrix or pipework running to/from it...

So my question is -- what recommendations can the collective might of AO bring to the fore? Bearing in mind I don't really fancy stripping it apart in this weather.... and I certainly can't afford another big bill (haven't paid the last one yet!).

Any thoughts on rad weld thingies? Which is the safest/most effective?

All ideas or suggestions welcomed.

[Avocet]

Full marks for having a footwell clean enough to dare tasting! If you'd tried that in my car, you wouldn't have needed to worry about the coolant leak 'cause you'd have been dead by the time the level got too low!

Anyway, I agree with your diagnosis. The evidence you cite sounds pretty convincing!

I've used Radweld in the past and it works very well. I wouldn't have a problem with doing it if it were my car, and would expect it to last at least until the weather got warm enough to make doing the job less unpleasant! Might be worth checking your ECU (if they're in the same place as they are on the V6s!) because the coolant can get in there and knacker it.

On the V6, I think it IS possible to do the matrix from under the bonnet, but still a big job requiring removal of wiper motor, false bulkhead, plenum etc. Not sure what it's like on a Twinne.

[Ronald]

Thanks, Avocet. This is the V6 I'm talking about, and no, not anything like the twink. I'd have cannibalised bits off it earlier. Even trim is substantially different (we're talking 4 years later for the Super). Annoying, as I could do with just odd little bits.

Based on your comments, though, I will try Radweld tomorrow.

I thought about the ECU myself, might have a look under the panel tomorrow. Problem is, I have work tomorrow, then a dinner in the evening, then up early Sunday for the convoy...

What about cleaning the carpet itself? Or will the coolant eventually dry up? Not sure how wet it is, don't dare lift the carpet itself! Afraid of what I might find. Ignorance is bliss, as they say

[Emjay]

Most factory fitted ECU's have a poly bag around them. Although when I was doing some testing on mine, I found the plastic had dried out and was basically useless.

Before I refitted the ECU, I wrapped it in a decent reasealable poly bag and cable tied the ends. Made sure the "press seal" end of the bag was pointing down, reducing the chance of liquid getting in even more.

Hope what you find isn't too serious.

[v6junky]

Have a go at putting a tap in the heater hoses. It would mean you would be without heating but it would stop water getting into the cabin. I believe there is an issue with using leak stop products not combining well with the wet liners. And check the ECU, mine was not in a bag.

[Ronald]

Originally Posted by v6junky

I believe there is an issue with using leak stop products not combining well with the wet liners...

Now you tell me....

Ah well, it's done now.

As a point of interest, the wet carpet has never (well, since I noticed it) been warm, as might be expected. It had its test under fire during the record attempt, it seems to have cured the "steamy windows" syndrome; I just have to get the carpet dry now!. I will keep you posted.

Oh, and last time I checked, I don't recall any wrapping around ECU. I will do this next Sunday, didn't have time over the weekend...

[Avocet]

If your aircon is still working, drive round with that on - it will help the drying process. The other favourite places for water to get into a 164 footwell are from the surnroof drains (down each A pillar). The trim on each A pillar is very easy to pull off once you unscrew the grab handle. You'll then see a clear plastic pipe down each pillar. If you open the sunroof, you'll see the start of the spot that the pipe pushes on to in each front corner. Also check under the heater box in the scuttle area. It may be blocked with dead leaves. There are two rubber drain pipes from the bottom of it that come out just above the steering rack. They could also be blocked.

[v6junky]

Originally Posted by Ronald

Now you tell me....

Ah well, it's done now.

As a point of interest, the wet carpet has never (well, since I noticed it) been warm, as might be expected. It had its test under fire during the record attempt, it seems to have cured the "steamy windows" syndrome; I just have to get the carpet dry now!. I will keep you posted.

Oh, and last time I checked, I don't recall any wrapping around ECU. I will do this next Sunday, didn't have time over the weekend...

Well there was a big debate on Alfa BB some while back and nobody really managed to come up with a convincing argument but I don't use it just in case the nay sayers are right about their concerns. I believe they were worried it would gum up on contact with the wet liners.....