Losing Water from Radiator?

[VXdarkmagic]

I recently checked the water level in my radiator and topped it up slightly as it was a bit low, anyways found out later that one side of the radiator cap didn't go back on properly because i got to work (15 min drive, temp didn't go up at all) to find a cloud of steam pouring out the bonnet and about 2 - 3 litres of water and coolant on the floor. Anyways I topped it up a bit, and have since had to top it up every single day as it's not sitting level under the radiator cap, but I can't find any obvious leaks anywhere...any ideas? I'm starting to think that maybe it was already going down and i just didn't realise it...

[pablo]

You don't mention your overflow tank! Is the coolant level dropping in that? Once you are sure that the radiator pressure cap is not letting air back into the system when it cools, the water level should be checked with the bottle dip stick. Did you bleed the air out of the system, after your misshap, by the bleed screw on the thermostat housing?

[VXdarkmagic]

overflow bottle seems to be staying constant, but as for letting the air out, I haven't done that...where's the thermostat housing?

[VXdarkmagic]

where's the thermostat housing?

never mind, i've found the answer to that one :-P

[fitz_vt]

yeah i would take it for a coolant change at a mechanic.... since you dont really have an idea on what your dealing with....

[VXdarkmagic]

I believe I may already know the answer to why this is happening, it appears the seal of the radiator cap isn't as good as it was since the mishap, and i've noticed it seems to be where the water is escaping, I'm going to try replacing the cap and see if it resolves the problem, however after spending over a grand 2 weeks ago on new tyres and a windscreen I have to wait til my pay comes in next before I can do this lol

[235rwkw]

probably the cap if doing that. if not check the sides of the radiator, the plastic tanks, they crack and leak when old.

[fitz_vt]

yeah like you have said, it could be the radiator cap (they are fairly cheap from your local auto store)