car coolant loss

[almostthere]

The wifes 306 cabriolet is losing coolant at first just a small amount now I'm putting in about 1/2 a liter a day.
I can't see any signs of a leak there's no water in the oil the oils clean no milky residue but theres quite a bit of vapour from the exhaust any ideas we're supposed to be taking it to Holland next week, she won't be too impressed if we have have to take the works van with the sprog sat on a toolbox in the back
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[bugeye_bob]

Water pump seems a common issue on the Pugs, they seem to weep.

[stevo as b4]

It's often a leak that is the cause of coolant loss, but you just can't see them all.

The first thing I'd check on a car of that age is the Radiator, expansion tank, and all the hoses. Its not uncommon for aged water pumps or thermostat housings to weep a bit too.

I'd want to go all tooth comb over the entire system looking for leaks or signs there's been coolant on components etc. I'd also check for rusty block core plugs etc and maybe even the heater matrix or the control valve too.

A pressurised coolant test might help too.

If you get nowhere but are still using coolant,then a few things to check are:
How's the cold starting after leaving it a couple of days? Does it misfire, stutter or need throttle to start from cold?

Take out the spark plugs and see if they look normal colour, or if they look very clean/white. If one plug is suspiciously cleaner than the rest then it could be an indication of an internal cooling leak/breached fire ring.

[Bikeless]

As above, check inside the cabin for wet carpets from a matrix leak, thermostat housing and the main rad for a split or stone crack.
Run the car up to temp, switch off and have a good nose around.

[dodsi]

Could just be a cracked header tank.

[arry]

Head gasket failure is a distinct possibility.

[mas101]

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[angryjonny]

Ironic really - I'm sure most 306 cabrio owners are battling with water getting in, rather than out.

[arry]

[Johnnythefox]

Cracked cylinder liner. coolant goes straight out the exhaust...

[MCN]

Get a tub of Barr's Leaks rammed doon it's neck and see if the leak stops.

Take it to Nederlands....
Do what you are to do there.
Drive it back.

AA cover is up to date isn't it?
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

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[bugeye_bob]

I just googled Pug 306 water leaks, and shed loads of returns said water pump weeps were common.