Dear all, Again hugely grateful for the help I've been given on this site over the years with my Mk1 Fabia estates.

 

Is it quite likely just a burst O ring where my metal coolant pipes enter thru the bulkhead into the heater? Sudden bad leak from here today . I was of course worried the heater box had split or something. It looks quite awkward to access but I'll try and have a look at it tomorrow so looking for any tips/advice.

 

Thanks

 

Oh, also wanted to ask if it's easy to bypass as a temporary measure? 

Easy, no, possible, yes.

Hi do you mean to do a bypass or fix the O rings (if it is failed O rings)?

Both.

I got the issue fixed (I think.. so far so good tonight) with two new O rings at the entry to the heater box. Local dealer had them at a crazy £11.

 

Through identical experience to others it seems easy to not get the fit/seal right which is odd as it looks simple. I guess it’s the poor design of having to fit both somewhat loose pipes, then getting the tightening of the securing collar done. I was super careful and didn’t expect an issue but coolant poured out! 
I’m on re-doing it a third time I could see the pipes were seated further in. 
 

still finding it odd this evening understanding what was wrong exactly the first time. 

 

for benefit of others 

 

-it’s best done from above rather than trying from underneath 

-make sure you’ve a tool for the spring hose clamps

 

-make some room for yourself by getting a couple of hoses out of the way.

 

-I think from my experience today that you’ll suddenly find the 6mm hex going very tight very quickly when the pipes and seals are seated right. 

 

 

 

Edited 24 October, 20232 yr by silver50