1990 Daihatsu Charade 'uses' water with no apparent leak

1990 DAIHATSU CHARADE
90,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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ANTONIO32
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  • 9 POSTS
Hi guys,
The car "uses" water somehow, with no apparent leak. The radiator
is a bit rusty but doesn't leak. I aslo had the hoses changed recently.
There is a bubbling noise from under the bonet, near the front of the passenger seat.
I have to keep adding water to the reservoir every 15km otherwise the car overheats. Aslo for the first time yesterday: I heard water gushing out 1' after I switched the engine off, rashed out, saw the water leaking from somewhere near the bottom of the engine, not from the radiator; by the time i got under (2' later), everything was dry and couldn't locate the exact leaking spot.
I noticed some oil-mud like stuff on the radiator cap. No water is escaping into the engine.
Do you think there is another problem apart from a worn out HG?
thanks a lot
Oct 27, 2008 at 7:58 PM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Hi there,

You will need to get the system pressure tested to check for the external leaks, if the coolant loss is from the radiator overflow, check the thermostat, cooling fans and have the radiator cleaned & flow tested, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
Oct 27, 2008 at 8:19 PM
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ANTONIO32
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Hi Mark and thanks for your reply,
the radiator overflow ..hmm, now that I come to think about it, the coolant never returns into the reservoir for some reason...is that why the hoses had busted...
Cooling fan is ok.
Oct 28, 2008 at 4:29 AM
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MHPAUTOS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi there,

Do the pressure test as this is an important tool in diagnosing cooling system problems make sure the pressure cap is tested, if you have a hose leak or a faulty pressure cap, the recovery system will be compromised.

mark (mhpautos)
Oct 28, 2008 at 5:21 AM
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TECHNOPRO
  • MEMBER
  • 45 POSTS
Hi antonio32,
I think the best way to get to the problem is to fill your radiator, climb your car on some blocks and let your car heat up while you have a look underneath. It's definitely overheating due to lack of water in the cooling system and you said there was water leaking from underneath. It might be the water pump??
Let us know how you get on.
Cheers
Oct 28, 2008 at 5:38 AM
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