Temperature light flashing slowly?

[Cluelessnblonde]

Hi again Everyone,

Well, I've been keeping an eye on the coolant and oil levels all this week and had noticed no difference at all until yesterday when the oil level had risen by 1 segment and the coolant level had dropped by about half a pint. I started the engine and let her idle till she reached about 60%, switched her off, left her for 5 or 6 minutes to cool slightly and then checked the coolant level again. The coolant level was still down so I added half a pint. Then I checked the oil level again and it was still on the lower level....ie., 1 segment below the full level.

Today I checked the coolant level at cold....it seemed slightly low again, but only very slightly. On starting the engine I noticed that the oil level had dropped again showing the top 2 segments clearly. I started the car and left her to idle for about half an hour whilst I got on with some gardening and then switched her off. After leaving her for about 15 minutes, I checked the levels again. The temperature had risen to almost 100, there had been a very slight mist from the exhaust on starting her up, but no water on the ground and the mist cleared within 3 minutes. This time the coolant level had risen significantly by about half a pint and the oil level had risen to showing only 1 segment as clear.

She is sounding sweet as a nut when she runs. She has about 110,000 miles on the clock and is a 2000 build. Do you think it sounds as if I have a significant problem or have I just been panicking or obsessing because I felt so guilty for not keeping a proper maintenance schedule? My friends all seem to think I should be trading her in for a younger little metal box (vw) but even the idea sends shudders. I just can not imagine another car bringing such a smile to my face every time I look at it!!

If you do feel it is time for me to trade her in, please do feel free to suggest a replacement for her. My last car was an 1800 Mazda MX5 Eunos which I drove for about 5 years and she was amazing, hardly costing anything to maintain and never ever let me down. I only sold her because she was 17 years old and could no longer be covered by insurance when catching the ferry over to Europe. She was such fun to drive.....I think I just found my replacement car!! But not yet!!

[thom4782]

If you're losing a pint over several days, you have a slow leak. I don't think the oil gauge is accurate enough to prove coolant is mixing with oil. Look for intermix in the coolant tank or on the dip stick. My guess is your leak is on the front side of the coolant tank or the water pump. You might consider having a different shop look for the leak.

[Cluelessnblonde]

Originally Posted by thom4782

If you're losing a pint over several days, you have a slow leak. I don't think the oil gauge is accurate enough to prove coolant is mixing with oil. LoOK for intermix in the coolant tank or on the dip stick. My guess is your leak is on the front side of the coolant tank or the water pump. You might consider having a different shop loOK for the leak.

Hi thom4782

Your idea of having a different shop look for a coolant leak sounds as if it is the first thing I should do next. I'm guessing the water pump would be an easier job than the coolant tank and therefore cheaper, but then I don't know?

It doesn't look as if there is any oil in the coolant tank, but what colour is coolant meant to be? Mine is a sort of pale and watery coffee colour.....should it be blue? The oil and filter were changed last weekend and look OK to me. I went for a 20 minute drive in her tonight and took her up to about 90 mph. The temperature remained on 80, no warning lights, a tiny bit of mist from the exhaust pipe when I turned her over but only for about 1 minute and very minor. When I got back I checked the oil level again and this time it was 3 sections below and low on the dipstick too, so I agree with your comment on the oil gauge not being terribly accurate. The oil on the dipstick looked completely clean but it was too dark to check the coolant level.

I'll take a look at some prices on coolant tanks and water pumps and take her into another garage early in the week and will tell them what you said. Many thanks for your help and for getting back to me so quickly.