Anti freeze

[Andrew1974]

I want to put some anti freeze into my 2.4 52 ford transit, I've got no way of telling which colour anti freeze is correct. When I checked the coolent level today it was quite low, I've checked the hoses and they all seem fine, would of dropped over winter? I don't really want to drain the whole system. Is there anyway of telling which is the correct anti freeze colour? Thanks.

[knobby1]

I'd be finding out where the coolant gone first before re-filling, check for leaks underneath, water pump, failed EGR cooler etc...otherwise you'll probably be loosing it again.

Lord Knobrot

[Andrew1974]

Ok, Ive checked for any air locks, checked all of the hoses for any leaks or signs of leaks, the coolent level is still the same after a goid run, the coolant pulley seems to be running fine and I can't see any evidence of leaks from the coolant pump. I'm going to check the coolant level on a regular basis. Is there anything else I can check for?

[Andrew1974]

One more thing how do I check the egr? I've also checked the oil for signs of any water coming in, it's fine.

[WarrenB]

I had a case of the mysterious missing coolant last year. No signs on obvious leaks but it'd occasionally leave a puddle of coolant underneath when parked up after a long run and the engine was warm.

Turned out there was a tiny hole in the bottom of the radiator that was impossible to see unless you were double jointed and had a head the size of a pea.

Also worth checking the pressure cap on the coolant bottle. Only about a tenner direct from Ford so a good place to start if there's no obvious leaks.

[vampirequeen]

Put your registration number into the Europarts website and search for antifreeze. It will show you the ones it sells that are suitable for your vehicle. Then you'll see whether it's pink or blue.

[Andrew1974]

I had a case of the mysterious missing coolant last year. No signs on obvious leaks but it'd occasionally leave a puddle of coolant underneath when parked up after a long run and the engine was warm.

Turned out there was a tiny hole in the bottom of the radiator that was impossible to see unless you were double jointed and had a head the size of a pea.

Also worth checking the pressure cap on the coolant bottle. Only about a tenner direct from Ford so a good place to start if there's no obvious leaks.

What could be wrong with the pressure cap? Not tightening up properly? I'll have a look at the radiator after I've been out on Saturday. Thanks.

[WarrenB]

Either not tight enough or antifreeze is evaporating... That's what happened on my old Defender. Replaced the cap and the coolant level stayed put after that.

[knobby1]

If there's no obvious leaks and you're sure you've checked everything..... and you're still loosing coolant...I'd be looking at the "EGR cooler", not the EGR valve itself....the cooler runs around the back of the cyl head, they can leak internally and the coolant goes out the exhaust so you'll not see a leak.

#1 here:

http://www.catcar.info/ford/?lang=en&l= ... I3Mg%3D%3D

Lord Knobrot

[Andrew1974]

Update.

I've found the leak, it's at the back of the coolant pump. It's leaking slowly, I'll take a picture later. It looks like there's a seal that it's leaking through. It's at the section right at the back of the pump, three hoses meet and connect to a black part that connects to the pump, it's leaking where that section meets. Will the whole pump need replacing and how big a job is that? Or is there rubber gasket that fits inbetween or is it one sealed unit? What sort of cost will a new pump be ? Thanks for the help.

[knobby1]

Update.

I've found the leak, it's at the back of the coolant pump. It's leaking slowly, I'll take a picture later. It looks like there's a seal that it's leaking through. It's at the section right at the back of the pump, three hoses meet and connect to a black part that connects to the pump, it's leaking where that section meets. Will the whole pump need replacing and how big a job is that? Or is there rubber gasket that fits inbetween or is it one sealed unit? What sort of cost will a new pump be ? Thanks for the help.

Ah...good find....there's a big "O" ring which seals the plastic "Hose connector" to the pump housing, it's held on with three small-ish torx bolts. If the pump itself is ok and not leaking coolant via the "tell-tale" hole... I can't see a reason to replace it.
It can be a bit of a mare to remove and replace the plastic connector in situ so you can replace the "O" ring, the hoses and their clamps are not the easiest things to get at, you may get better access from underneath....and...you may be better off to remove the pump completely and you'll be able to replace the "O" ring easily on the bench...

If you need more info/help...just ask....that's what we're here for..!

Here's a parts breakdown for you:

http://www.catcar.info/ford/?lang=en&l= ... NCsyNzI%3D

Lord Knobrot

[Andrew1974]

I've taken a picture but not sure how to add it.

[Andrew1974]

image.jpeg

[Andrew1974]

image.jpeg

[ABA]

Put your registration number into the Europarts website and search for antifreeze. It will show you the ones it sells that are suitable for your vehicle. Then you'll see whether it's pink or blue.

I did that it comes up with both red and blue