Hi There,

This is my first post so hello to everyone. I am after some advice on my lovely car. It's a '02 Fabia 1.4 MPI. Basically about 6 weeks ago I got my coolant loss alarm go off, I topped it up and after about 60 miles it came back on. Whipped it down to the local Skoda garage and they said it was the water pump. Replaced that and the bottle and all seemed fine.

Two weeks ago the alarm went off again, and the coolant was very low. I thought there might've been a bit of an air block so topped up and waited. And again, a few days ago, the light went on again, and again I've lost more coolant... So booked back in the garage for next Weds.

So, what are the chances? I've got a horrid feeling it's the base gasket, looking at the lid of the bottle this evening, there did seem to be a bit of oil on it, so it could be that? Question is, did the garage not pressure test and replace the water pump?? Surely it's a bit of a coincidence that this is still happening? OR could it be something else? Your help is much appreciated - thanks very much and... Merry Christmas!

G

Sniffer test in expansion tank will tell if it's head gasket or not. Other likely causes are leaking thermo switch on radiator, thermostat sticking, heater matrix core leaking, radiator leaking at lower corners. Oil in expansion tank does point to the head gasket though.

Defo agree with above^^^^^^^^..........my mates had a similar problem.......wrong type of coolant in system and the oil in the coolant expansion tank was only a small amount and we think it was because of the rocker cover oil leak as oil was getting onto the bottom coolant hose join (metal/rubber) and soaking through the rubber hose as it was totally covered in oil...new roker cover gasket, new thermostate housing inc switch/sensor and a flush through and G12 plus+ and it runs better and the cooolant system is ok....so far!!!!...

If you were losing that much coolant from the engine it would be obvious. Mine was losing enough coolant in 2 weeks (about 200 miles) to set of the warning and after a 15 mile drive you could see and feel (it's slightly sticky to the touch) the coolant on the undertray. If there is nothing on the undertray or under the car after a short drive (enough to get it up to temperature) it will be HGF, check the oil filler cap for mayonaise as if you have oil in the water you will probably have just as much water in the oil.

Carl.

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm thinking that it could be a rad issue as there hasn't really been a loss in performance and it does not smell/sound/feel any different.

I will check it out and report back!

G