New To Xsara - And A Forte Stopleak Question

[Ioan]

Got a 2003 Xsara saloon 1.4 a couple of months back, and it's generally been very good, nice drive, incredibly quiet, and not half bad fuel consumption for quite a big petrol car,

 

One problem that has turned up recently is a leak in the passenger side footwell of some red rusty water,

 

From your very helpful forum, it seems that it's likely to be the heat exchanger with a pin hole leak (it isn't a big leak) and I was recommended to use Forte Stopleak (rather than Radweld and the like)

 

The mystery is, no where on the Forte site, nor the bottle itself or online can I find any instructions how to use this stuff correctly, but lots of statements saying to make sure it's used 'as instructed'!

 

Any advice on how to use this Forte Stopleak?

 

Thanks,

All the best,

 

Ioan,

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Is the anti freeze in the expansion tank the same - rusty red water with the same smell ? If not it may not be the heater matrix that is leaking. You could also check the strength of the anti freeze in case it has been diluted by topping up with just water by putting a bit in a container in the freezer and checking it does not freeze - if it does freeze or start to go mushy then the anti freeze needs replacing.

 

A google search on forte stop leak instructions comes up with their site but not the instructions - however, the google 2 line summary starts 'Add one dosage Forté Radiator Stop Leak to the cooling system of a motor vehicle or 10 % per volume to the cooling systems of larger capacity. When the ...'

 

So, I guess you add all the contents of the container to the radiator - however, this may not be possible without draining a bit out but just adding it to the expansion tank may not allow it to mix in. When you decide to replace the heater matrix make sure you flush all the coolant out and put in fresh in case the forte stuff causes blockages.

[Ioan]

 - the water in the radiator expansion tanks is very red & rusty - 

 

I took it from other discussions that the heater matrix fluid is the same fluid (and connected) to the radiator system?  Is this wrong?

 

Flushing the system sounds like good advice, there is a lot of rubbish in water, come to look at it,

 

That was a very helpful reply before, thanks,

[paul.h]

Yes, the heater matrix is part of the radiator system.

 

Looking on the eurocarparts website, a new heater matrix is on offer at only £18.30. It may be better to just fit a new one with new anti freeze (after flushing the old out) rather than bothering with the sealant. The anti freeze will be around £15 depending on how much is needed and if the sealant does not work you may have wasted more than the cost of the matrix.

[coastline taxis]

the rust in the cooling system is probaly down to the wrong anifreeze.

cars made after 1998 must use antifreeze that uses silcate free-organic acid technology (oat) to help reduce corrosion . as a rule only put pink or orange antifreeze in and change it every 2 to 3 years to keep the rust inhibators working

[Ioan]

Sorry for my delay in replying, internet's been out for a few weeks, thanks for all your help an advice, never realised the parts were so cheap!  I have the correct anti-freeze, so hopefully a job to do soon, All the best, Ioan,