Hello everyone.

I have a Ford Falcon and it's been over heating alot lately. I keep topping the coolant system up but each journey I return from the system is completly empty!!! There must be a leak somewhere and I'm wanting to take it to a mechanic but I don't have a clue where the best one is in Perth and I don't want to be charged over the odds!!! Is there anyone out there that could recomend anyone please?? I'm living in Mount Lawley so somewhere close would be good.

Many thanks

Kerry.

There's your problem.

Yeah well obviously I do know what the problem is but if you read my question properly I didn't ask you to tell me what was wrong with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Kerry

Are you a member the RAC? If yes you can come to any RAC Auto Service site and have a free 1/2 hour diagnostic test.
Here's a list of the sites.....
Balcatta
253 Balcatta Road - Ph. 9207 2622
Perth City
288 Newcastle Street - Ph 9228 4633
Myaree
59 McCoy Street - Ph 9330 8022
Bentley
1170 Albany Hwy - Ph 9258 6033
Joondalup
77 Winton Road - Ph 9301 5911
Mandurah
281 Pinjarra Road - Ph 9586 1655

I suspect that if there is NO visable sign of a water leak, then you have a more serious problem, which sounds like the Head Gasket has blown! It is important to NOT let the vehicle over heat. Have a look at the exhaust, is there a lot of 'white' smoke?
It could be more simple and you have a split hose, which leaks once the engine is hot and the system is under pressure.
The test for a damaged head gasket is simple and will take just a few mins, it's called a Tee-Kay test and checks for exhaust gasses in the cooling system.

Hope this helps?

Neil.

hi thanks for the advice but there is actually a leak every time i look in the car port there is coolant all over the floor loads of it so my boyfriend keeps filling it up with water cause he doesn't have a clue whats wrong with it but a friend of his mentioned it might be a hose are they easy to fix ?

Hi Kerry

Sounds like an easy one to fix.
Yes, hoses are generally easy to change, depending on which one it is, they are literally a 5 minute job. Look at the two main ones connected to the radiator, the 'top' hose and the 'bottom' hose. (They are the biggest ones.) Look for a split or a leaking hose clamp. You can buy a new hose from Repco (much cheaper than genuine Ford) and simply remove the two clamps, one at each end and re place the hose, remembering to re-tighten the hose clamps.
It is important to put coolant into the system as it has an additive and stops the the internal parts corroding.

Neil. ;-)

Serious Karma to you Neil. Now we know who to come to for good car help.

Hi Scott here kerrys boyfriend thankyou very much for the advice i will have a look at it 2morrow when its light very useful info cheers. just hope thats all it is !!!!!!!

Make sure the system is bled after you've put the new coolant in.
Start the car and get it ticking over, then as it gets warm squeeze the hoses to help expel any air in the system.
You should see bubbles coming up into the radiator!!

Cheers'en.

May pay to use a torch and check the radiator itself while your at it, as there maybe a crack or split which you can't see. Won't take long and you should be able to see the light reflected of the water if it is leaking.

Used an old 535 BMW for a few weeks before departing UK. Had to fill up the water every 3 days or 100 miles. This is after checking for head gasket or sump leaks.

Managed a trip from Horsham to Winchester return with the radiator cap still on the engine block. In such a rush forgot to screw it back on.

Kiwi