I was wondering if anyone could give me some advise. My S2 is loosing water when i use the car. I have checked for leaks loose hoses and the usual headgasket signs but cant seem to find out what maybe causing the problem. The car isn't standard and has a pro ally radiator and a swirl pot. Any help would be much appriciated.

Thanks

Chris

 

When you say you've checked the usual headgasket signs, what do you mean?

 

Just checked for oil in the water

 

i'd see if some one close to you has the ability to test you header water for the presence of exhaust gases not sure if halfords has the diy kit

 

Oil in the water would only indicate that the gasket has blown between an oilway and waterway, it could be that the head is cracked or the gasket is passing water into the compression chamber, in which case it would be coming out of the exhaust.

 

White smoke/condensation out of exhaust as above

 

There is some white smoke but only when the car is cold. How long would it usually take to bleed the system? Could it be a possible air lock?

 

an air lock wouldn't cause it loose water unless it was forcing it out a leak path mate.
Most rsts blow white smoke first thing due to stainless exhuasts most run but it should clear after a very short time unless its been stood for a while.
might be worth getting it checked for HG failure if your sure theres no leak.

 

I would check your head gasket, had the exact same symptoms losing water etc, even had the gasket tested with a fluid tester. I replaced the rad, header tank checked for air locks, 2 weeks later my head gasket went when coming on boost.

 

I had a similar problem on a different car where it kept losing water, turned out to be the water pump but cant say that would be the cause on an rs turbo engine.

 

if there is visable leaks then christian is right the head gasket could be leaking between the combustion chanber and the waterway in which case you wont find water in oil. therefore i think having the water in the coolant system checked for traces of combustion matter would be wise move.

 

Get a CO check done in a garage. Only takes 5 mins...