Radiator problems on Ford Escort

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Mon 28 Aug 2006 15:44
Radiator problems on Ford Escort - V1ctor
12 months ago, I changed the coolant in my ford escort. In about April, I realised that the coolant level was a bit low, so I topped up with a mixture of antifreeze and water. Since then, the coolant level slowly falls, ie I have to top it up every week or two. On a few occasions, (especially during the hot weather), the coolant would steam out of the cap. this would happen after the radiator had just been topped up.

Due to the volume of coolant I was losing, i decided to top up with water only. This was OK for a month or two, but recently, whilst topping the expansion tank, I realised the water was very dirty and brown. I topped up to the MAX level, and only a week later, it had dropped to well below the MIN mark. I am considering having the radiator flushed out and the coolant replaced. I have also read that it maybe a good idea to replace the cap on the expansion tank.

Could the problem be more serious?
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Mon 28 Aug 2006 15:57
Radiator problems on Ford Escort - yorkiebar
could do with more details of car, engine size, year, mileage u do etc?


But first thing I would suggest is a new coolant cap and see what difference is then?

if you have a local garage you use it may be good idea to ask them if they will a cooling system pressure test too?

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Mon 28 Aug 2006 16:58
Radiator problems on Ford Escort - V1ctor
the car is a 95M 1.6 petrol Zetec. It has 96K on the clock and I do about 4000 miles a year.
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Mon 28 Aug 2006 18:06
Radiator problems on Ford Escort - bell boy
agree with yorkie
if there is a radiator specialist near you they may well do the pressure testing for free
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Mon 28 Aug 2006 18:06
Radiator problems on Ford Escort - yorkiebar
Losing any coolant with that mileage is not a good sign.

Change cap
Get pressure test
but prepare for some bad news too; lots of things it could be but does sound like possible head gasket. Could just be a simple water leak too; but it does need a proper check to find out why its losing so much coolant in so litle time.
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Mon 28 Aug 2006 18:40
Radiator problems on Ford Escort - V1ctor
I had a look under the car the other day and noticed that there was some oil or something similar that was covering the front drivers side axle. It was also under the engine. When I touched it, it was black, and thick. I also parked my car on the driveway, and within an hour, there was a tiny mark caused by some liquid. This was different as it was not black, but it definitely was not petrol.
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