Coolant Leak Repair
Also called radiator water leak
A coolant leak repair locates where engine coolant is escaping and fixes that point. Typical sources are perished hoses, the radiator or its end tanks, the water pump seal, the thermostat housing and the expansion tank cap. Losing coolant leads to overheating, and overheating is what turns a cheap repair into a cylinder head job. If the coolant is disappearing with no visible leak, the problem may be internal, which is a head gasket investigation rather than this repair.
Signs you need this
- Coolant level in the expansion tank keeps dropping
- Temperature gauge climbing higher than normal, especially in traffic
- Sweet smell or white steam from the engine bay
- Coloured stains or crusty deposits on hoses and the radiator
- Heater blowing cold air when the engine is warm
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Pressure test of the cooling system to reveal the leak point
- Inspection of hoses, clamps, radiator, water pump and housings
- Replacement of the failed hose, seal, housing or radiator
- Coolant refilled with the correct type and the system bled of air
- Radiator cap and expansion tank checked for pressure holding
- Temperature watched through a warm-up and a road test
How we do it
Pressure test cold
The system is pressurised without running the engine, which forces the leak to show while it is safe to inspect.
Inspect all joints
Hoses, clamps, the radiator seams, the water pump weep hole and the housings are each checked for wetness or staining.
Rule out internal loss
If nothing leaks externally we test for combustion gases in the coolant before suggesting any expensive work.
Repair and refill
The failed part is replaced, the system is refilled with the correct coolant and bled so no air pocket remains.
Heat cycle and recheck
The engine is brought up to temperature and cooled, then the level and every joint are checked again.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book coolant leak repair
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.