leo083: Hello Nlanders,
My 2007/2008 mazda6 is about 5 monthss now, I got it from coutonou, @ the point of purchace, it was working perfeftly but when my mechanic brought it I realised the radiator was leaking wch I fixed with an adhesive, but on my way from lagos about 10 days ago, the gasket got burnt so I had to change the gasket as well has the radiator( a hyundai radiator was used, couldn't get a mazda 6 tokunbo radiator). The car is doing fine now but I still have to be putting water everyday, I top with with @ least 250 mls of water(1/2 pure water sachet) per day after a 3hrs journey...I called my mechanic to inform him cos I feel its not normal, but he said its normal, cos its an alumnium engine and dt the gasket has burnt before... Nairalander; pls is this happenings normal....topping water(radiator) in a car of low mileage( 48,000). Pls what should I do..pls expert opinion needed...thanks

Why would you attempt to repair a leak with adhesive tape??

If you're having to top up your cooling system that regularly, then you have a leak. The cooling system is a sealed one, and should not require periodic topping up between services. It should be the same level well over a year later.

Your mechanic saying it's normal deserves to be strung up from the nearest telegraph pole until he's dead. There's nothing normal about an engine using more water than gasoline. Saying it's due to aluminium construction is a load of garbage. I've replaced cylinder head gaskets on aluminium engines in the past, and the owner's haven't needed to tow a water tanker behind their cars on a trailer.

I suspect your water is leaking straight into your engine combustion chambers, and / or into your oil galleries. Check your oil level, and condition. I don't like to say this, but I believe your engine's fvcked. When an engine gets red hot, it's not just sufficient to replace the head gasket. The cylinder head needs to be checked for warping, and skimmed as required. The same goes for the block, though if the block's warped, the only purpose it could serve would be as a boat anchor, or door stop. Your cylinder head could be cracked too.

Your only option (as I see it) is to get a complete replacement engine, and get it fitted by a competent garage. And please, get the CORRECT radiator for a Mazda 6, not some cobbled together contraption. Radiator flow rates are matched to specific engines, and water pump capacity.

Topping up your cooling system with PLAIN WATER, no coolant is a no-no.

I'm not going to ask how much your "mechanic" has charged you, but I suspect he's bent you over good and proper, and given you the rough end of a pineapple.

Siena:

Why would you attempt to repair a leak with adhesive tape??

If you're having to top up your cooling system that regularly, then you have a leak. The cooling system is a sealed one, and should not require periodic topping up between services. It should be the same level well over a year later.

Your mechanic saying it's normal deserves to be strung up from the nearest telegraph pole until he's dead. There's nothing normal about an engine using more water than gasoline. Saying it's due to aluminium construction is a load of garbage. I've replaced cylinder head gaskets on aluminium engines in the past, and the owner's haven't needed to tow a water tanker behind their cars on a trailer.

I suspect your water is leaking straight into your engine combustion chambers, and / or into your oil galleries. Check your oil level, and condition. I don't like to say this, but I believe your engine's fvcked. When an engine gets red hot, it's not just sufficient to replace the head gasket. The cylinder head needs to be checked for warping, and skimmed as required. The same goes for the block, though if the block's warped, the only purpose it could serve would be as a boat anchor, or door stop. Your cylinder head could be cracked too.

Your only option (as I see it) is to get a complete replacement engine, and get it fitted by a competent garage. And please, get the CORRECT radiator for a Mazda 6, not some cobbled together contraption. Radiator flow rates are matched to specific engines, and water pump capacity.

Topping up your cooling system with PLAIN WATER, no coolant is a no-no.

I'm not going to ask how much your "mechanic" has charged you, but I suspect he's bent you over good and proper, and given you the rough end of a pineapple.

leo083: Thaanks guys...really appreciate, he said he had to line the cylinder head with something, dt the cylinder is not spoilt cos I asked specifically....and he removed the coolant reservoir too....

skyfall:
@OP

Sorry I really sympathize with you. You seem not to know much about cars, but we obviously learn everyday. After all the professional responses though, you still sound confused.

The 1st thing to do is NEVER go back to that mechanic. You're just an easy paycheck to him.

2ndly, look for a qualified auto workshop where the car will be properly diagnosed.

Tell us where you live (Lagos?). Are you on the Island or mainland? I know a very good workshop in Ajah if you live around there. There's also a thread on this site which lists good & modern auto workshops.