Advice needed please.

1. saxoleak Newbie Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 4

   #1 24th October 2011, 19:03

   Hi Forum,
   
   I have a Saxo 1.6 sx and I have noticed the water looks dirty in the reservoir, the oil looks clean and there appears to be no leaks, there is no temperature light or oil light on, engine starts first time and runs fine.
   
   what would you advise before I take it to a garage?
2. bossman9 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2011 Peterborough Posts: 157 Saxo VTR :D

   #2 24th October 2011, 19:05

   just remember how old the car is, probably just dirt mate
3. saxoleak Newbie Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 4

   #3 24th October 2011, 19:06

   Thanks, it does look dark I was wondering if it could be oil? could that happen?
4. vtrmann Frequent Poster Joined: Dec 2009 E yorkshire Posts: 947 53 black vtr

   #4 24th October 2011, 19:12

   if the head gasket was on its way out yes it can happen. is it like a sludge? check your oil filler cap for thick creamy yellowy stuff. id put new coolant in it and have a good look at what came out
5. ads85 Frequent Poster Joined: May 2011 Bradford on Avon,Nr Bath Posts: 866 '01 astra coupe

   #5 24th October 2011, 19:13

   It can happen yes, but you would see an oily shimmer to the water (same as how oil spreads on a wet road), i would imagine its more likely that its just due to the age of the car, personally i'd change and flush the cooling system ready for the winter (unless its been done recently) and see how it goes.
6. saxoleak Newbie Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 4

   #6 24th October 2011, 19:18

   You guys are really quick at responding, I like that ;-)
   
   The oil under the oil cap looks fine,(light brown clear colour) same as when I check the dipstick.
   
   I do hope it is just the dirt from the water system due to age, I will look in to getting it flushed.
7. user_55186 Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Wirral Posts: 280 desire

   #7 24th October 2011, 19:49

   Could be a leak stop additive such as rad weld, these are usually turn the coolant a shitty colour.
8. KrisB Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2009 Dorking,Surrey,M25 J9 Posts: 2616 Static -80mm Peugeot 405

   #8 24th October 2011, 20:15

   Well said bosax.
   
   Could be an additive in there, or, could be filled with red coolant which often apears brown.
   
   Best thing to do is to just drain it all out, flush it out and refill.
9. saxoleak Newbie Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 4

   #9 25th October 2011, 09:02

   How do I flush or drain the system? is it easy?
10. user_43529 Regular Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Bournemouth, England Posts: 325 Vectra 2.5 GSI

    #10 25th October 2011, 09:22

    Use the search engine mate, you'll find guides for most things on this site. Just to start you off here is one for flushing the engine.
    
    http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98877