expansion tank levels level on 2.5 TD 98 reg transit

[handyman1]

Hi again all,

I have now corrected all the niggly problems on my 98 reistered 2.5 TD transit, but have noticed that the water level in my expansion tank vessel keeps dropping below the MIN mark even after topping up to Max mark twice now in 120 miles of running since I bought her on Sunday, I have looked above and below the engine when hot and cold to see if there are any obvious leaks on the cooling systems that are visable by eye, but cannot see any obvious signs, it seems to drop to about half way below MIN mark then stop, there are no signs of water in the oil filler rocker cover either, my Quistion is are there any other areas I should check out or is this normal on a 170000 van. As I intend to drive to Scotland over weekend to give her a really big run out before starting to use her as a van and driver goods transportation service.

Any experience or suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated, as a bit concerned she could overheat on my planned big run out.

Thanks all.

Handyman1

[AndyG]

Most likely the water pump

When was the cambelt last changed As it would be very easy to do the water pump at the same time

[handyman1]

Hi Andy, the cam belt was changed 2 years ago and new water pump was fitted "according to the last owner" no reciepts for this though, I am keeping an eye on the bottle over the next few days as just been out in it to pick up the Mrs from work and when engine hot the tank level had gone back up to half way between Min & Max, may invest in a full drain down and cam bet and pump if showing signs of dropping further, thanks for your advise.

Sean Handyman1

[AndyG]

The good news is, they don't normally pack up altogether at once, they just normally dribble more and more until you see that the water is actually coming out of the bottom of the cambelt cover

[handyman1]

will look out for that water coming out from cam belt cover mate, any idea of current costs of a cam belt and water pump these days? as may try and fit myself in the springtime " hopefully it will lasts that long"

Sean handymman1

[AndyG]

Off the top of my head, about £25/£30 for pumphttp://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw= ... =0&bkBtn=1

And about £70/£90 for a proper timing belt kit Make sure you have the right year, as there's at least 3 types
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ford-Transit-28mm ... 53dd1a6b1a

[handyman1]

Thanks for info and links to parts mate, looks like another £100.00 or so, but have been looking at old forum posts on this site and may tackle the job myself, but with the rad off "easier access for the novice I believe" love driving my new transit and have a good feeling its a solid runner under all that rust and poor paintwork!

Thanks for your advise, will post my resulting attempts at the possible task awaiting me mate!

Sean Handyman1

[jay]

does the water level stop at halfway??if so leave it and see if it drops further i had a 2.5di that would keep its level at halfway and if i added water it would push it out and always stay at halfway

[darkbluevanman]

Are you topping up and checking 1st thing on a morning before starting??.. if not, why not?

[handyman1]

Thanks for replys darkbluevanman and jay, I have now discovered that there is a water leak on my old girl, and it appears to be running down from the upper left of the engine block, starting just below and behind what appears to be the turbo diesel injection pump, it is in a really tight cavity, and cannot be reached by my fingers. the trickle is very small, and only drops the coolant level by about 1/2 inch per day, or after 40 miles driving, I will be checking the fluid level first thing daily from now on, and I also carry a couple of litres of water under my seat now.The leak is just above the level of the water pump, and runs through oily deposits and down the side of the block to the oil sump. I have talked to one guy (ex brother in law) today who knows a bit about ford motors and is a mechanic, he seems to think that there is a small water flow pipe somewere in the area I described to him on the phone, and says this pipe corodes due to oil contamination over the years until it perishes and starts to leak, anyone out there heard of this pipe? he says it is in "his words" a right b*stard to get at and repair! he has a garage and has said he will look at it tommorow for me. any other clues from anyone out there, would be really appreciated guys.

Handyman1

[MinorMatt]

I would see what he picks up tomorrow then

[handyman1]

Hi again all,

I have seen my ex brother in law today, it was not the pipe he suggested, after closer inspection the slight leak is appearing out of just behind the lower left corner of the fuel injector assembly, after that it cannot be traced, but is defo above water pump.
He seems to think that there is a slight crack somewere on the lower cylinder head or the head gasket, and water is seeping through, he has also suggested pouring in something called K Seal solution and letting the engine engine run up to normal temperature, the stuff is supposed to be good at fixing small cracks or hairline fractures, has anyone else used this stuff on a transit head leak, and more impotantly does it work, because I will give it a go if it saves me spending £200 + on getting the gasket replaced etc, he swears by this K Seal, but I am not so sure, any suggestions on what is the best procedure to use this stuff would also be really appreciated.

Thanks Guys,

Handyman1

[jay]

behind the fuel injector pump is a alloy pipe fitting which bolts to the timing cover this can corrod and leak on the other end of this fitting is a rubber pipe which goes to the bottom hose.
or maybe a core plug which is again behind the fuel pump.

[handyman1]

Thanks for your reply Jay, I plan to take a look at this pipe today and think I know which one you mean, is this the one that I had mentioned earlier, as going to the back of the timing cover, and looks a bit like how a manifold pipe would connect to an engine block with 2 bolts, but is only smaller? it also has a what appears to be a gasket in between the 2 bolted union and the timing cover? I used a small mirror to examine that joint the other day, but could only see under it, but no leak could be seen at its gasketed joint, I think I will need to remove the Lucas injector unit to fully examine above this joint, but it certainly does look a distinct possibility, and as I say, the damm leak is so small, but very awkward to locate to its source by viewing it from the top of the engine.

Thanks Fella.

Handyman1

[handyman1]

Hi all,

Just checked leak yesterday and this morning, it appears to have now stopped! no more dripping etc, cant be sure if it will remain so until take her (ROSIE) "my 6 year olds name for the transit" go's for a long run out, say 100 mile trip, but the K seal does seem to have done something, would still like to change head gasket eventually, but it has bought me some time, did work delivering for my first customer yesterday shifting garden waste, van never flinched!! bring on the work, need the dosh!

Thanks for all guidence guys,

Will post again soon no doubt!

Handyman1.