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R34 GTT Water needs topping up

1.9K views 12 replies 5 participants last post by  SdevR34  
#1 ·
Hi all, still new to this so bear with me, as I am unsure what to look for, for problems.
Anyways, I got my R34 GTT about 3 weeks ago and been keeping an eye on oil and water lvls etc. Oil is fine and is still on max. Water on the other hand has dropped in the expansion bottle, so I topped it up yesterday, from approx 1/4 (between min & max) to the max level. Drove it for about 25 miles on the motorway, doing a steady 70'ish and checked before coming back. The water hadn't moved and was still on max. This morning I checked it again and it has dropped in the expansion tank by about an inch under max.
I can't see any leaks what-so-ever when the engine is hot and there are no puddles or drip underneath. Also the temp gauge doesn't move and remains exactly in the middle.

My question is what should I look for or try?

Thanks guys.
 
#3 ·
Hi Jono, thanks for your reply. I did check them both when cold. I just topped it up again so it is on max level, so I can keep an eye on it. I then started her up and left it ticking over for at least 10mins. Checked again whilst running and as you say the level has gone up to just over max. I understand this is normal when hot, I will check it again in an hour or so and see the levels then. I got a feeling it will drop to the max level, so basically no change.
However, yesterday when I did check it, it had dropped down to about an inch over the min mark over the last few weeks. So it appears to be using some water, but just not sure where it is going.! lol
 
#4 ·
hi mate, to be honest i would'nt worry to much, my r33 gts-t does the same thing, i'll top it up and it'll drop to between max and min every time but never had an issue and as i'm running 500bhp i keep a close eye on things.
as long as it does'nt drop to below the min i would say not to worry, check it once a week like i do and you can't go wrong. (i leave mine between the two and it never moves)

drive and enjoy mate
 
#5 ·
Hi mate, thanks for that. Oh I love the car, I've always wanted an R34, so I am more than happy, which is why if there was a problem I'd rather get it sorted out sooner than later.
Just went out there and noticed a small puddle of water under the car, although the expansion level is where it was before (on max). I had a look under the car and (well I'll try to describe) it appears there is a wet patch on what I think is the gearbox housing (round metal casing directly in the centre of the car towards the back of the engine), it seems something is dripping down onto it, but looking from the top of the engine I can't see anything wet.
Sorry it's all pretty vague..!
Does the A/C leave little puddles on these, as I have had this on, on my trip back last night.
Anyway, I'll keep my eye on it and see what happens.
 
#6 ·
lol yes mate the a/c does do that and i thought the worst the first time i saw my puddle but if it has been on for a while then you will defo get a puddle, never found were mine is but fear not it is normal.
no need to be paranoid about the water thing mate, i've had skylines for 9 years now and apart from mods and routine maintenance they are so reliable and strong i hope i never have to get a normal car again :)
 
#7 ·
Hi mate, thanks for your advice, it is most welcome.!
I'm going to drive it about this weekend, though mainly on short journeys and I'll keep a check on it see how low the expansion tank does go. I'll report back if anything is amiss.!
Thanks again mate.
 
#8 ·
look for white deposits on the end of hoses or metal connections,small leaks in hot areas will evaporate the water off so you dont get drips or puddles under the car
 
#11 ·
Koh - I checked as many hoses for white water marks, but can't seem to find any, but I'll continue to look.
Hi David, I've been looking at the weekend for exactly that, any small leaks in the rad, but couldn't find any there, I'll have a good look tomorrow once I get it nice and hot.
I did drive it on 4-5 short journeys over the weekend and the water level hasn't seemed to move at all when I check it from cold. I'll have a bit of a go in it tomorrow for a bit and see what happens there.
Thanks to all who have given me things to check etc, it's all appreciated.!
 
#13 ·
Hi Koh, Yes I do have a local garage I go to who seem to be pretty good and after taking the cap off and looking in the rad it could probably do with a good flush as well.!
I drove it for a good hour today and gave it a blat up the motorway as well and it hasn't lost any water since Friday, after the last top up. That was basically driving to the usual places I visit where it was losing water before. Could it be a large air lock which has eventually got sorted?
Cheers Koh