It’s all going wrong. Low coolant? No coolant!

[Steve McF]

There's a bit of a 107 theme here!! Following the discovery of water in the spare wheel well, I too replaced the rear light seals on mine, but had to order some P clips that help hold the upper part of the lights in. Both snapped, and the dealer wanted £26 plus VAT for each 😱😱.

Luclily a found someone on Ebay that came recommended that makes 3D printed versions for around £20 for the pair. So I ordered them, but haven't had a chance to fit them yet.

I want to silicone around the high level brake light again (which I did years ago). I also want to get the bumper off to check those rear extract vents. I did notice that there is a leak from the wiper motor spindle on the tailgate glass that I need to take a look at too.

From up here in the frozen North, I was a bit worried by your reports of snow & cold weather. I was working on the 107 at 9 in the morning yesterday, putting some new rear light seals in place to prevent water ingress. T-shirt and fleece, nowhere near frost temperatures.

You mentioned the old light bulb under the engine technique, but don't have any bulbs

What if you knew someone who, before they became illegal to sell, bought "a supply" of 150W incandescent bulbs.

Drop me an email with address details if that be useful 

[sgould]

Little progress today.  I topped the coolant up yesterday evening and it hasn't dropped. But the engine hasn't been run.  No visible sign of a leak by day, and no leak visible this evening with the UV lamp around the bits I could easily see.

I need to get in closer, which will require removal of some bits.  That will have to wait because there's frost on the car, and it stayed there all day.  The weather forecast cast is for it to get colder, so maybe nothing happens for a week.


I maybe imagining it, but there's an intermittent slight rumble from the area of the aux belt.  I need to remove bits to get in closer and check the pump and the pulleys.

Roll on Spring!

[carrera]

I want to silicone around the high level brake light again (which I did years ago). I also want to get the bumper off to check those rear extract vents. I did notice that there is a leak from the wiper motor spindle on the tailgate glass that I need to take a look at too.

No silicone required, my kit included the replacement foam seal for the third brake light. I doubt there will be an issue with the extract vents, but always an opportunity for some rust treatment. In one case (have 2) I did so because the steel bumper had completely rusted through.

Back to the coolant, if the leval has not fallen, then I would start the engine, let it bleed, get up to temperature, switch off & leave it.

You'll then know the leak only happens when running & you can warm your hands while testing 

[sgould]

I considered warm hands, but not tomorrow.  Tomorrow is for the grandkids.

[sgould]

Surprise!  More tinkering today.  My wife has a bad cold and so does granddaughter.  Visit postponed.

Frost has disappeared. It's a balmy 6 deg.  Forecast for the next week is constantly below zero. So a window of opportunity!

I have been out and removed the airbox to improve visibility. It didn't.   The coolant level was still OK after leaving it overnight.  So I ran the engine up to temperature on idle. No visible leaks. No steam from engine.  No steam in exhaust.  No oil in coolant.  No sign of coolant in oil.  No sign or smell of coolant inside the car.  No sign of any overflow or boiling around the header tank.  No sign of any problem...

So, how does the car arrive home on Christmas Eve with no warnings. No low coolant warning, but on Christmas Day throw a low coolant warning on start-up, has an empty header tank, and need a litre of coolant to top it up? 


Oh!  I moved the 9-5 and got an airbag warning...

[carrera]

It's a curious one, almost like the coolant was syphoned out, or you had a 1000cc airlock that just cleared after months. I think I have heard of this happening once before.

Now you just have to perform the ultimate test. Warm, on the road, with top up coolant in the car, just in case pressurisation gets over 1 bar.....

For those of you that have X, you may find this amusing. By coincidence it's a 107, and has just got another years MOT. 

https://x.com/i/status/2006358356211253676

[sgould]

I bought 5 litres of OAT while I was away.  2 litres of diluted 50/50 is in the boot.

Fingers crossed.

[Geoff1951]

For those of you that have X, you may find this amusing. By coincidence it's a 107, and has just got another years MOT. 

https://x.com/i/status/2006358356211253676

        Well, at least she's trying!

[sgould]

A neighbour once filled her engine to the brim with water!

[sgould]

Update...

Topped the coolant up.  Changed the yellow cap back to the one from the failed tank.  Two shortish trips later and the coolant level is OK. 

Maybe it was the cap.  It was new and purchased from SaabParts UK at the same time as the new tank, but looked less robust.  I can't think of anything else at the moment. But there is/was no sign of any fluid escaping from the coolant tank.

Fingers crossed...

[carrera]

Oh well, a failed cap would be a great outcome  bit strange there weren't stains on the cap / tank though

[sgould]

She has just returned from a longer drive.  I'll have another look in the morning when It's all cooled down.

[sgould]

Still looks OK.  I'm at a loss to work out what happened.