Turbocharger Heat Exchanger Leaking

[deBooza]

Hi

 

Car is a 2002 C5 2.2 HDI Exclusive Estate.

 

A week ago I started the car and seconds later got a 'coolant level low' warning. Thought nothing of it, topped it up assuming that it was about time and needed it. It only took about a litre. Today got the message again. Not quite a litre this time so leak not that bad. Upon inspection I had a look round the engine. I noticed a lot of fluid at the bottom of the smaller rad of the two. According to the manual I have this is the turbocharger heat exchanger. I'm not 100% sure as the workshop manual I have is in french, can't find one in english, and it's a slow process using google translate :rolleyes:

 

Questions are:

1) Is this the turbocharger heat exchanger?

2) Is it supplied water by the same tank as the cooling system resovoir? Reason I ask is there is both water on the road(not much though, drips)and I'm having to top up with water.

3) Is it a difficult job for the DIYer? Seems easy enough as far as access goes but I've been duped before.

 

Thanx in advance,

 

DFB.

[Guest mechcanico lee]

If your talking about the turbo intercooler that doesnt have water ...its a air to air cooler, is it oil residue at the bottom of the intercooler because they are a bit prone for that.

 

You had a good inspection ? you sure its not the radiator leaking or water pump or something ??

[Guest Ern]

The smaller radiator may be the Aircon condenser, that is part of a sealed system containing a liquified gas, not water. Is the Air Con working properly? If it is the water you see might simply be condensation which is normal with Air Con systems. Such water will be quite clear having been distilled from the air. Water leaked from the radiator would normally be coloured as it should have anti-freeze and corrosion inhibitors.

[Guest deBooza]

Hi

 

Thanks for the replys.

 

I have not had a thorough look at the problem yet as the light was fading yesterday. I will get a better look today and perhaps take some pictures.

 

I'm almost sure it's water, although it feels a little greasy, as the radiator now seems to require weekly top ups. I'm assuming as the rad needs topping up this is what is escaping from somewhere.

 

Any tests that I could apply to diagnose the issue?

 

Thanx.

[deBooza]

Hi

 

I had a better inspection tonight. Just come home from work so the engine was warmed up. Left it running and had a look round the pipes using a torch and took some pictures(see below).

I couldn't see anything spurting or dripping out from anywhere. All I could see was a wet patch, localised around the bottom of the intercooler.

 

Also ran the air conditioning/climate control and all worked Ok, got very chilly in the car.

 

http://www.pompeytalk.co.uk/c5/Img_8109.jpg

http://www.pompeytalk.co.uk/c5/Img_8119.jpg

http://www.pompeytalk.co.uk/c5/Img_8122.jpg

http://www.pompeytalk.co.uk/c5/Img_8127.jpg

 

 

 

Any more help would be very welcome,

 

deBooza.

[Randombloke]

Get a sniffer test done to see if there are any exhaust fumes in the coolant.

 

Have a look and see if there is any visible leak from the water pump.

[deBooza]

Hi

 

On Saturday I was going to have a real good look at what it could be. Plan was to remove the radiator and pipes and see where the leak potentially was. However, I didn't get far at all, just a couple of bolts undone. It seems like the only way I can get to the lower bolts holding the radiator assembly on is to remove the from bumber and grill.

 

 

How is the radiator removed? Any info. on how to remove the radiator assembly would be good or perhaps a link on the site to an existing post that shows how.

 

I have now booked it in to be looked at as I worried it's gonna get worse very quickly and I do not want to be stranded on the motor way.

 

 

deBooza.

[Johndouglas]

The radiator isn't held at the bottom with bolts. It just sits in rubber grommets. No need to remove the bumper.

[deBooza]

Hi

 

Had it checked out with a local mechanic. It's a hose connected between radiator and overflow/fillup tank that has a hole in it. Glad it's only that and not something more serious.

 

Quoted me £120 to supply and fit a new one. Will be getting it done this week.

 

Thanks for all input.

 

deBooza.