Coolant Leak

Hi, this is my first post and my first C3. So far loving the car but after I got back from work today I noticed the dreaded patch on the driveway. After checking it out I found it to be coolant and it's leaking from the bottom of the rad where I presume a petcock once was but noticed this instead (see pic). What exactly is this and what do I replace it with as it obviously won't suffice to hold the coolant anymore. TIA

Zer0Sec wrote: ↑Mon Jul 26, 2021 8:35 pm Hi, this is my first post and my first C3. So far loving the car but after I got back from work today I noticed the dreaded patch on the driveway. After checking it out I found it to be coolant and it's leaking from the bottom of the rad where I presume a petcock once was but noticed this instead (see pic). What exactly is this and what do I replace it with as it obviously won't suffice to hold the coolant anymore. TIA

Hello

Welcome to the forum.

The part in your picture (the pipe and the clips) is not a citroen part, not part of the C3.

Someone has added that and I have no idea why because the original factory cooling system works perfectly without it.

You should take it to a mechanic and ask them to put it back to standard.

Or take it back to where you bought it from and ask them (assuming they know).


You have a contradiction in your CAR BIO

Model: C3 2006-2009, Facelift model
Year: 2013 (63)

please resolve it.

Thanks for the quick reply, I presume whoever last serviced it has done it after breaking something off. I have contacted the garage where I bought it from, just waiting for a reply. Thanks for the bio tip completly missed it.

Does anyone actually know what part is missing? After doing some more digging I dont think its to replace a drain plug/valve, I really think I am missing some hose or pipe?

I assume the car is a 2013 model C3 with the Puretech engine?
Sorry but I'm not that familiar with the later models of C3, so I could be wrong...but...
My guess is that the radiator has been replaced. The fins I can see in your picture look new. Your stats say your car is a manual and I believe the radiator has been replaced with a radiator for an automatic.
The "automatic" version will have a coolant line for the transmission intercooler.
"They" have blocked it off because it is unnecessary in a manual car.
If I am correct, then there is no barb for the hose to clamp onto and the whole lot may eventually blow off (seeing as it is leaking ATM) and you may loose all your coolant!
I bet if you pull on it (WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD!!!), it will just fall off and you will start to loose coolant.
Modern plastic hose fittings have spring type bands on them so they don't crush the plastic pipes!!

I have spoken to the garage today who are going to replace the rad tomorrow. I'm just wondering why a rad would have been replaced prior to 33000 miles? Can't see any crash damage underneath and it was supposed to have had an RAC inspection before I collected it so don't know why it wasn't spotted. I'm thinking the garage has lied about a few things. Thanks for the help though guys.

Should I notify the finance company?

Zer0Sec wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:42 am I'm just wondering why a rad would have been replaced prior to 33000 miles?

What does the condenser look like? The condenser is the thin radiator-like device in front of the engine radiator. If that looks new then I would say both have been punctured by something like a rock. It's possible the radiator has had a manufacturing defect.

Zer0Sec wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:42 am it was supposed to have had an RAC inspection before I collected it so don't know why it wasn't spotted.

Do you have a written report from the RAC? If not, then it probably wasn't done.

Zer0Sec wrote: ↑Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:42 am Should I notify the finance company?

To be honest with you I have found these (financial) institutions shirk their responsibilities when it comes to claims of any sort. I would inform the finance and insurance companies and get proof that you contacted them I.E. a phone transaction code. Call center operators log each call with a transaction number. They always try the old "you didn't tell us that" routine.
It's possible that a failure of the old radiator may lead to future engine problems. If the engine has over heated that may have damaged the head gasket.

But that's all just speculation and worrying about it wont change the future. Just do what you can and enjoy your car.

Good news, garage fitted a new radiator for the correct model and so far no leaks or strange pipes stuck anywhere. Had a run out for 30 mins earlier everything seems fine. Thanks for all the replies and I can start enjoying my car