VT COOLANT PUDDLE ! When the Car is cooling - overnight - Anyone solve it ?

[Big-Al]

It's probably the tiniest leak to be honest. Recently my radiator started leaking from the end tank, about 1 litre per hour of driving, but it would only leak when the system was hot and under full pressure. If I released the pressure through the cap the drip stopped. Ater replacing the radiator I still couldn't actually find any obvious holes in the stuffed one.
You should take it for a 30 minute drive before taking it to the mechanic so it's fully warmed up. Have them check it out when it's still hot.

 

[Raven blue]

Yeah, not massive leak, but enough to warrant attention and need top ups- something that really shouldn't be happening.



So did you find the problem Big Al? What was it?

 

[mpower]

I'm going to guess heater tap, common fault.

 

[Big-Al]

The radiator was the fault. Pin hole leak.

 

[hotrod]

It's not just water from your aircon is it? Haha

true that , is it green

 

[Raven blue]

Its the Heater Core !!!!

If anyone has a good contact in Sydney (Southbound - towards Tom Ugly's bridge - Hurstville Kogarah carlton ) who does these please message me.

 

[ari666]

It's not just water from your aircon is it? Haha

^^^this .

 

[franklinfrog]

Its the Heater Core !!!!

Oh no. Sorry to hear. This is a big job if it's definitely the heater core and not the heater tap. Whole dash has to come out. Here's a DIY guide. http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/vt-vx-holden-commodore-1997-2002/103448-how-heater-core-removal-hoses-photos-thread.html

Here's some more reading: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=vt+heater+core+site:forums.justcommodores.com.au&es_sm=93&biw=1518&bih=773

And here's a shortcut solution that may or may not work: http://forums.justcommodores.com.au/vr-vs-holden-commodore-1993-1997/10470-heater-core-vs.html

I've heard a lot of mechanics won't even do this job. Prices vary from $600 up to well over a $1k so call around. Sorry can't help with cheap places, just start calling.

 

[anfz18]

i would say heater core aswell , my vr did the same thing and no wet carpet - started as a small leak overnight and turned into a big leak so fast ,
the vr having a two way heater tap i just bypassed it - problem solved .
i couldnt be bothered replacing the heater core what a headache .

as the vt has a four way heater tap its not possible , unless you could get some type of u shaped joiner

 

[Raven blue]

Yeah Thanks buddy.

Ive helped with a Mitsubishi one before - seems more work intensive and trying to find all the bolts/screws to get the dash off - once thats off then its just matter of disconnect , change heater unit then re assemble.

I would be weary with that Short cut method. If you look at any automotive pipe connection - there is a ribbing at the end of the pipe that prevents the pipe sliding off. The hose clamp tightens it all down.

Without the pipe and hose fitting over that ribbing - under pressure there could be leak issues - So while the VS shortcut method is ingenious - it could lead to problems - unless of course anyone has an explanation as to how to avoid the issue identified here.