Relay Coolant loss

[wjpcb]

Hi guys,

I have a 2017 Citroen Relay 35 2.0 Bludhdi Van done about 190k miles,

Needed some thoughts on the coolant loss I am having, following a 200ish mile drive the other week I noticed a coolant "explosion" on the opposite side to the expansion tank (passenger side) coolant was everywhere on the underside of the bonnet and the passenger side area. I took the van into the mechanic and found the radiator to be pretty beat up swollen on the top and the bottom, a pressure check also revealed a cracked EGR Valve, both have been replaced and I am experiencing some serious coolant loss still. A couple of days after the repairs I had been out and topped the coolant up approx. 2-3litres (expansion tank was empty and gurgled in the new coolant that I was topping up. Again after being out yesterday and coming back to check it this morning it required another 2-3litres.

Not sure if this is anything to do with the issue but thought I would mention - I had the battery warning light come on as I was approaching home yesterday, so gone out to test the alternator and that has knackered now, i managed to run it for 30 mins this morning on the drive before the battery went dead but could not see any major leaks idling, the temp guage does not move when idling (not sure if this is normal).

Is this most likely a head gasket fail? It seems an awful lot of coolant to be going somewhere that I can not see?

I'm not hugely mechanically involved but still understand some of the issues, just wanted to get some initial thoughts from you guys, let me know if you need any further information and I can try and answer.

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Well it's quite possible you may have damaged the EGR water exchanger that is incorporated into the assembly. so I would start retracing steps in that area.

[wjpcb]

Thanks for the info Marc, as mentioned i'm not too mechanically literate and as the vehicle is for work I prefer to get work done on it as soon as possible rather than tinkering myself.
Would you recommend me taking it to the main dealer to have a look? I have been suggested an independent garage here in Leicester, I just want the job done correctly as its had a number of issues now.

[GiveMeABreak]

Well if you are wanting it sorted properly and correctly then the main dealer may be the solution. Some of these units can be damaged especially the water exchanger part as these are not supposed to be disassembled. Obviously I can't comment on your local garages, so that's something you will have to decide on, but in the long run it may be quicker to get the dealer to do it and you'll get a warranty on the parts too.

[wjpcb]

Thanks again for your comments Marc, i've got it in to be looked at today so will mention your thoughts and see what they think.
Much appreciated.

[GiveMeABreak]

If it's a leak in one of the hoses they should be able to get a better idea when its up on the ramp, or to get a batter view of the exchanger assembly.

[wjpcb]

So it sounds like the EGR Valve and cooler are all part of one unit that did get replaced, the cooler was the part in which the crack had appeared, I mentioned the water exchanger and it seems this is all part of the same unit?

Mechanic did a combustion leak test and it appears there are gases in the coolant which I understand points to a head/ gasket issue. I think he mentioned bubbles in the expansion tank also which I understand is another sign for head gasket symptoms.

Decision to be made now how to proceed, all the mechanics i've spoken to don't want to touch it as its such a big job

[GiveMeABreak]

I understand - but considering it looks like you had issues last time using an indy, it probably would cost less in the long run to have had the dealer sort it. Obviously you know your budget and what it means work-wise to get it sorted. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

[wjpcb]

Yeah agreed!
Thanks again mate!
Anyone know some rough figures regarding head gaskets, new heads etc. obviously there's a number issues that it could be if there's a crack or its its warped or what not, I suppose its hard to put a number on the unknown of where the actual issue is? Just wondering if someone has had any similar work done whether at the main dealer or independent?