Possible radiator

E

Eddy

New Member
Everything was fine. Then i could smell coolant. I had to top the radiator level a couple of times, not always, with about 100 ml only and temp gauge never goes above half way. I'm not sure if leak in radiator or hoses. Also I think the fans don't turn on, but when I turn the aircon on, both fans go. I have a 2006 lancer es. Does anyone know what i should be checking for? I checked the fuses for the fans and i looked around the hoses for leaks but its hard to tell
 
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There is a common issue with the fan contorl module - I have a module that has phantom moments of cutting in and out reguardless of tempreature pretty regularly. I replaced it with a second hand one, and that only controlled the A/C fan and actually caused me to over heat. You can buy a replacement from the USA or local dealer, as a second hand may be no better.

The temp gauge should sit no higher than halfway at operating temp, so that is normal.

Use a torch with a strong white light and look around the plastic on the radiator for any white or green-ish dry residue. Same will be present on hoses or hose ends if they are leaking. To test properly you need a $350+ pressure testing kit - look them up if youre curious. If I was in your situation, I would book into a workshop and ask them to do a pressure test. This will tell you 100% what is up.

Out of curiousity, how do you know to top up the coolant? Are you just filling the radiator, or is the dipstick on the overflow bottle reading too low?
 
SDate42 said:
There is a common issue with the fan contorl module - I have a module that has phantom moments of cutting in and out reguardless of tempreature pretty regularly. I replaced it with a second hand one, and that only controlled the A/C fan and actually caused me to over heat. You can buy a replacement from the USA or local dealer, as a second hand may be no better.

The temp gauge should sit no higher than halfway at operating temp, so that is normal.

Use a torch with a strong white light and look around the plastic on the radiator for any white or green-ish dry residue. Same will be present on hoses or hose ends if they are leaking. To test properly you need a $350+ pressure testing kit - look them up if youre curious. If I was in your situation, I would book into a workshop and ask them to do a pressure test. This will tell you 100% what is up.

Out of curiousity, how do you know to top up the coolant? Are you just filling the radiator, or is the dipstick on the overflow bottle reading too low?
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Thanks mate. I wanted to try to do something myself before having to go mechanic. After i smelt the coolant smell i opened the radiator and topped it up. I'll take it in to get tested tomorrow, the dipstick on overflow was fine
 
I had a talk to the mechanic today. I came home to have another look at the car and there is oil in my radiator. I understand what that is, but can someone pls tell me what my options are from here or at least the next step. Don't have that much money atm
 
Auto or manual??? If it's auto it could be a auto cooler fault but if it's manual then it's likely to be an engine fault.
 
Come back from the mechanics, i need a new radiator and thermostat. Thanks blokes for the help
 
You’ll need thin spanners or crows feet to get the auto cooler lines off and on - probably about 200-250mls of top up trans oil too.

Have patience removing the rad hoses as they will be well stuck on and you dont want to tear them. Thermostat may need a few taps from a soft mallet to help loosen the seal.

Buy some rubber grease to put on the hoses and fittings before you fit the hoses back onto the radiator and thermostat. They will slide on with ease that way.

Get new hose clamps for every join - any brand is fine (Tridon, Wurth, ect.) Oh and be sure to buy green or blue coloured coolant(premix or concentrate is fine) just not red. The red coolant is made from a different base that reacts over time with the green/blue stuff and turns into a sludge. This will block up your brand new radiator and entire cooling system.

Best of luck!
 
Bro, thanks so much for the help and advice. Seriously, it means alot to me. Appreciate it man
 
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