red warning light on the temperature gauge came on. Radiator leak?

C3 sx Hdi 92 (2003) Diesel

I'm quite new to driving so forgive me if I'm asking obvious questions but....

on Saturday the red warning light on the temperature gauge came on. I added some water and it was ok. but tonight the light came on again.

So, I have a leak in the radiator system yes?

If so, is this a massive job to fix? I've found a product called K-Seal which I think you add to the water tank and run the engine for the chemical to seal the leak.

Has anyone had this problem and if so how did you solve it? and did K-seal (or something similar) work? and if not, will a garage set me back a fortune?

All advice is much appreciated!

Hello.

So the warning light has come on because the coolant level is low - is that correct?

Has the engine over-heated?

Are there any signs of a leak from the radiator or any of the hoses eg a drip under the car when parked?

Have you checked the oil, does it look as though it might be contaminated (possibly milky looking)?

I'd suggest you don't put water in the cooling system unless its a temporary fix and you're going to drain the system and replace the coolant fairly soon. You should be using a coolant, this has as well as other properties, anti-freeze. Adding water will raise the temperature that the coolant will freeze at.

If you're not sure of anything, I'd suggest a garage. It may cost but coolant problems can quickly develop into seized engines and written-off cars.

Missing Lincs wrote:Hello.

So the warning light has come on because the coolant level is low - is that correct?

Has the engine over-heated?

Are there any signs of a leak from the radiator or any of the hoses eg a drip under the car when parked?

Have you checked the oil, does it look as though it might be contaminated (possibly milky looking)?

I'd suggest you don't put water in the cooling system unless its a temporary fix and you're going to drain the system and replace the coolant fairly soon. You should be using a coolant, this has as well as other properties, anti-freeze. Adding water will raise the temperature that the coolant will freeze at.

If you're not sure of anything, I'd suggest a garage. It may cost but coolant problems can quickly develop into seized engines and written-off cars.

First of all, many thanks for taking the time to respond to my question.

Yes - the light came on and when I looked under the bonnet, the level was low and added water. Is there another product I should use?

Its tricky to check for a leak as its constantly raining or dark (!) but I will have a look tomorrow. I'll check the oil as well.

I think a trip to garage may be in order!

Annoyingly the car didnt come with the manual - i should realy buy a haynes.

Thanks again!

For top-ups I'd suggest a generic coolant solution, you can get manufacturers own but you can get a generic from Halfords or other good motoring stores!!

There is a forum post in the tips section detailing the type of coolant for the C3, its here


There are links to the correct product and some things to check to see you have the correct stuff in the cooling system to start with (previous owners do some strange things).