Over the past month or so my 92 440 has been losing about a pint of water every day, could I find it - No, no visible water coming out, nothing, I used some of that ceramic sealant stuff- no effect. well I was stumped, then lunchtime today I topped up the water, and just happened to brush my hand under a hidden area under the top heater matrix hose, my finger came out wet, so what was happening, why didnt I see any water - well it didnt leak until it got up to pressure, then leaked straight on the exhaust, - steamed off soo no water. once the water level had dropped it came out as steam anyway. How to fix it - well I had a spare hose, but it was for a 1.7 not a 1.8 - the difference, the 1.8 has a spur off the hose to the intake manifold. the 1.7 doesnt, it has a longer spigot and the tee comes off that. well in the end I had a spare length of hose the right size for the top end, but too big for the bottom. hmm a 2" length of 19mm copper pipe, a 3" length of new hose and 2 jubilee clips and the bad section of hose had been cut out and a new section put in, and everything AOK again. well at least its up and running, I may consider getting a new replacement hose sometime, or maybe I will look at some plumbing fittings!
Grendel

Here is the offending section of hose:-
Grendel

Hello all

I have just bought a 1993 440 1.8 Xi with 11000 miles on the clock. It's great - drives just like new because I guess it kind of is. It passed the MOT with a couple of warnings which I can sort. The only problem I have is that it is losing water (coolant). It's not drastic, perhaps a pint every few days. I saw this post and thought I'd ask where I can check? I've had the radiator cover plastic off to see the front of the radiator and that whole area is bone dry and clean (no rust). The pipes at the top of the rad seem ok (not hardened). So where else should I check. Where is the top heater matrix hose? I haven't yet got hold of a haynes manual but should do so soon.

Also, if I just keep topping up with water (no antifreeze) will that damage the engine? Obviously I'll get this sorted before winter and put in proper coolant then.

Thanks for any help and hello to everyone out there.

John

It should be fine with just water in the summer, check every inch of hose, it could be anywhere, might be well worth checking round the water pump, I have had leaks that only leaked whilst the engine was running, but to be honest at this age all the hoses will start to perish, also check the metal pipe that runs across the front of the engine from the heater return, I have even had a leak in that.
Grendel

Hello again

All OK with my 440 other than the new exhaust that is needed. The minor water leak I still have and it is becoming annoying. I am losing a little more water than previously but not much more than a litre on a long trip (300 mile).

I've run the engine up to hot and got underneath with the underside cover off. I can barely see where the water is coming from but it is at the back of the engine under the exhaust manifold. It must be low down as I forgot to top up once and even the heater matrix ran dry - whoops.

The only possible answer I can find is that when I stuff my hand in the back there is some wet rust in a core plug at the back of the engine block, underneath the manifold. Could it be that that is leaking? And if so:
1. Is it a nightmare to replace the core plug and if so how on earth do you do it?
2. Is there a reasonably effective "cheat" such as filling the core plug in with filler or something similar?
3. Am I going to have to dismantle the whole crowded back of the engine area no matter what?

I've now found out I have the B18U engine which is still running nicely and the oil is still not black -- even after 5000 miles. Brilliant eh?

Thanks everyone

John

I had a core plug on an old transit do that once , in fact the engine froze and pushed the core plug right out, I just hammered it back, I guess you might be able to fill it, you would have to get the area really clean first I guess. Have you tried the water system sealant that has ceramic, that can seal quite bad leaks as long as there are no moving parts involved, its not cheap, but I have used it a couple of times and its cured some serious leaks, might be worth a try. I just cant remember the name googled - K seal
http://www.kalimex.co.uk/section.html?secpath=01.04.&pgid=17
Grendel