ZX diesel using lots of water

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Andy malton
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Joined: 28 Jul 2003, 19:07

ZX diesel using lots of water

Unread post by Andy malton »

My zx diesel is using lots of water on my 100 mile round trip everyday approx 3 litres,but there is no white smoke when going along,but on start up it does smoke a little and run very rough for a few seconds then it appears to run ok.There are no water leaks or oil leaks anywhere,so is it the headgasket?? the car has done 170,000 miles.Cheers for any info
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AndersDK
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Unread post by AndersDK »

Andy -
A sure indication of a blown headgasket - causing water loss - is mysterious over-pressure in the cooling system.
While engine idle - watch for bubbles from the filler neck water surface. If bubbles worsen with engine revs - you have a pretty sure indication of blown head gasket.
Given the amount of coolant loss - I'd say you should have cranking trouble with the starter motor. If not - my bet is you simply have a leaking hose somewhere - or a leaking water pump.
It's hard to see anything - since in summertime - there is no sign of evapourating water. The hot cooling system instantly evapourises any leaking water.
A good clue is to look for white/green "salt" deposits/traces on hoses/radiator/connecting studs.
jeremy
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Joined: 20 Oct 2002, 16:00
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Unread post by jeremy »

probably. the water has to go somewhere doesn't it! but have a look at some of the recent threads - I seem to remeber someone found his radiator had gone after loss similar to yours.
have you had a good look at the back of the engine and the water pump?
What is the smoke like - could it be a puff of unburnt fuel?
Jeremy
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AndersDK
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Unread post by AndersDK »

wrinklet1
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Joined: 23 Nov 2002, 19:15

Unread post by wrinklet1 »

Hi Andy, Yes, have a look at my Water Bubbles..Xantia. I pressure tested the system as said in the subject and found the rad had gone.
Have you checked the carpets in the front? are they dry? if not your heater matrix has gone. I changed mine earlier this year so I knew that was ok.
If your oil is black and no 'mayonaise' at the top of your oil filler cap, then no water is getting into your oil. Water could be being lost via your head gaket straight into the exhaust manifold, therefore you wont fing any water at all as it go to air through your exhaust system.
Try pressure testing though (if you can)
Good luck
Paul