Engine Water loss

[tarik]

Have marinised Ford engine, there is a constant water loss from the radiator, nothing obvious, no sign of water into sump or elsewhere would very much appreciate any advice.


As always many thanks for all replies.


David

 

[ianat182]

I think the first item to check would be the radiator cap and its thermostat/seal ;perhaps the coolant is escaping through the relief pipe when the engine gets overheated-does it go to the bilge?
A perished hose or loose jubilee clamp,l eaking waterpump, or a head gasket blowing - is the rad water clean or is there traces of oil/fuel/soot in it.
Do you have any heating connected ?
Last, check for a rusted core plug in the block, they are only thin mild steel and do rust through, cheap and easy to replace, though some disassembly may be needed to gain access to them.
Them's my thoughts!

ianat182

 

[vyv_cox]

When you say 'radiator' is that what you mean? Or is it a seawater cooled heat exchanger? If the latter it is very likely that there is a leak path in it, either faulty seals or a pinhole in a tube or tube sheet. Pressure in the coolant is higher than in the seawater system, so that is the direction a leak would be expected.

 

[theoldsalt]

By "radiator" do you mean the heat exchanger for an indirect cooled engine?

If so, many people fill the heat exchanger to the top when it should be filled only until the tubes inside are covered. This allows for coolant expansion as the engine heats up. If overfilled excess pressure causes water to be blown out of the overflow under the pressure cap.

So how much coolant do you put in - right to the top?

However common this is, it does not account for no water in the bilge. To be sure I suggest a container on the end of the overflow pipe just to check.

I am assuming that there is no separate expansion/header tank connected.

 

[theoldsalt]

Just read Vyv's post and I agree.

If indirect cooled and no spillage in the overflow pipe then water may be exiting the engine coolant system to the raw water system and out the exhaust via hole(s) in the heat exchanger tubes.

Suggest a strip-down of the heat exchanger to examine for corrosion.

 

[ianat182]

I read the OP's comment about the sump as being he had checked for water contamination of the oil in the sump of the engine, i.e. the oil turning white and /or increasing in volume when checked with dipstick.

ianat182

 

[macd]

It may very well be as simple as over-filling, as theoldsalt suggests: my engine does precisely the same. Check with a catch bottle on the water overflow line. That'll no doubt be the diagnosis you're hoping for, rather than a leaking heat exchanger.

 

[tarik]

Water Loss

Thanks for all your replies.


My original thread was misleading - I am referring to the water tank on top of the enginge. I am going down to the boat later and will check all your suggestions thus far.

Thank you for your replies.




David