Coolant Useage

[iain.atkinson at tesco.net]

Thought i would chuck this out to see if any list wisdom can solve this.

My 80q with 2.6 V6 motor uses a bit of coolant. I have checked for leaks and haven't found any, the hose clips all over the engine weren't what i would call tight and have now been tightened.

I have no signs at all of coolant mixed with oil and vice versa, no nasty smells from the exhuast either, so where is it going?????

I understand the expansion cap is a common weakness and will more than likely get replaced next week.

The temp guage does read just above 90 degs and rises to the next mark when sitting in traffic, this is when the fan kicks in. I have been all round the engine bay with an infra red thermometer and the highest temp i saw was 89.5 degs C and that was on the heater supply hose.

It had a new water pump @ 166k when the belt was done so that was only 8K ago. Thermostat is unknown when that was replaced.

So any words of wisdom would be great.

TIA

Iain