1990 300TD Water Leak

[Silvertank]

Hi Guys,

I have a very slow water leak. Thing is, I can't find any crystal like deposits anywhere to suggest where the coolant is leaking from.

Any known areas to check?

Much appreciated,

Tank

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Look for rusty pipes.

 

[Mercedes cozy]

This is what I did once when I couldn't find the leak.
In the winter I put some anti freeze in my coolant system.
On a icey day I could see the leak as the anti freeze would not freeze.

Its not long before winter comes.

 

[Silvertank]

No rusty pipes that i can see

looks like i'll have to wait for winter

thanks

 

[Ian B Walker]

Any known areas to check?

Much appreciated,

Tank

Heater matrix and Duo Valve are two of the things that can be problematical to diagnose

 

[bolide]

I'd say start with the radiator. They tend to spring very tiny leaks and sometimes leak only after the engine is turned off. Try spreading some newspaper under the car after a run and seeing if there are drips on it after 15 minutes. Then start trying to track it down...

Heater leaks will normally mean water under the floor mats. Pull them up and have a look

I pulled the water pump on my 250TD at 220,000 miles and it was perfect - no leaks at all. But they don't last forever

Finally the plastic header tanks can crack & leak

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Amphiscian]

On a petrol engine a very slow coolant leak and one cylinder missing for a second or two on start up can mean head gasket going. Don't know about diesels though.