Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Antifreeze flows from the expansion tank (antifreeze level drops)
Any motor during operation experiences serious loads and its temperature rises significantly. The resulting combustion heat is partially transferred to the engine.
In order to avoid overheating of the power plant and its failure, experts suggested using antifreeze. It did not appear immediately, initially in old models of machines they used ordinary distilled water and antifreeze.
Antifreeze is a mixture of purified water, ethylene glycol and glycerin. To enhance the properties and extend the period of use, manufacturers use branded additives. Prevents foam formation, protects against corrosion and increases resistance to temperature changes.
It is necessary to pay attention to the color of antifreeze in the expansion tank. If it's red it's better to use red. Mixing antifreeze of different colors is not recommended. This degrades the performance, leads to the appearance of sediment.
It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question. There are pitfalls and currents regarding the features of the operation of the car. It is necessary to establish the causes of the leakage of antifreeze and then take measures to eliminate the malfunction.
It is recommended to renew antifreeze at least once every 2 years. If the low coolant level warning system is triggered frequently, look for leaks. Even after prolonged use of the vehicle, only very small amounts of antifreeze need to be added.
Main reasons
Formation of microcracks in the expansion tank
-Cooling system connections are not securely connected
- Formation of cracks in hoses or nozzles
-Temperature gasket wear
- Dirt on the radiator
-broken radiator
-Coolant has entered the engine oil
Reasons for a decrease in the level of antifreeze in the expansion tank:
1. Expansion tank cap not tightly closed
Common cause of coolant leakage. Occurs due to carelessness and indiscretion of the driver. An open expansion tank cap does not contain the pressure of the incoming coolant. Antifreeze seeping through a loose connection.
Evaporating antifreeze turns into a whitish haze. To eliminate the malfunction, the cover is tightly clamped.
2. Damage to expansion tank
If the damage is above the level of antifreeze, it will be difficult to notice it.
A visual inspection with the engine running warm will quickly locate the leak. The tank is being replaced as it cannot be repaired. After repair after a certain period of time, the problem makes itself felt again.
3. Damage to hoses, pipes and their connections with the radiator
Hoses and pipes of the engine cooling system are exposed to aggressive media. Temperature changes, oils, brake fluid and other chemicals.
Getting on the rubber elements of hoses and tubes, after a while they cause damage. Invisible at first glance, and visually difficult to find at the initial stage.
To eliminate the malfunction, damaged hoses and tubes are changed. It doesn't take long and can be done without help.
4. Excessive amount of antifreeze
The expansion tank has a mark on the surface where antifreeze must be poured. It is exactly half the total capacity of the tank.
Manufacturers have provided a special overflow hole. When the amount of antifreeze in the tank becomes critically large, it begins to flow through the overflow hole. To prevent such cases, fill in antifreeze to the mark.
5. Radiator damage
The radiator is located at the front of the car and is used to cool the antifreeze circulating in the engine cooling system. While the car is moving, the radiator takes on small stones, dust and small particles of dirt with oncoming air flows.
Often flying stones and small gravel can damage the surface of the radiator and break its integrity. Through damage, antifreeze begins to leave. The level can drop quickly and it all depends on the degree and size of the damage.
It is not always easy to find the place where the radiator is depressurized, so if you are sure that it is because of it that the antifreeze is flowing, then you need to dismantle it. Then all holes except one are clogged in the radiator and placed in water. Connect a hose with air to the hole that remains open. The air will find its way out of the radiator just through the gap, so it is very easy to find the defect by the bubbles. In the case of a hole in the tube, you can simply clamp both ends of it, but this elimination of the antifreeze leak gradually leads to a deterioration in heat dissipation.
If there is no desire to remove the radiator, then you can use a special sealant. It can be gel or powder. The first one is better, because it is harmless, but the elimination of antifreeze leaks with the help of powder sealant will later lead to clogging of the channels in the stove radiator. The way to eliminate antifreeze leaks using gel sealant is very simple, since you just need to pour it into the cooling system, and he himself will find a place of depressurization and, upon contact with air, a chemical reaction will occur and the sealant will thicken.
6.Engine
One of the most annoying types of antifreeze leaks is the presence of antifreeze in the engine's combustion chamber. It is determined by white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. A sweet smell appears in the air around the exhaust pipe. This is the first sign of antifreeze burning along with fuel.
Another sign of antifreeze getting into the engine is the appearance of a white coating on the oil dipstick. It is problematic to repair a car on your own without the use of special equipment.
To quickly detect the departure of antifreeze from the tank, it is necessary to look under the hood of the car more often. This will help you quickly respond to malfunctions and perform repairs with minimal material costs. Antifreeze deficiency negatively affects engine cooling.
Other reasons
Worst of all, if an antifreeze leak is found from under the head. To begin with, you can stretch the head of the block, but for this you need to know the tightening pattern and have a torque wrench. If this does not help, then you will have to disassemble the engine and change the gasket.
It may be that the antifreeze does not go out through the gasket, but into the engine. This is determined by gray smoke from the exhaust pipe, which resembles steam, or by the oil dipstick if there is a white coating on it.
Sometimes it also happens that the coolant level drops, but no traces of leakage can be found on the engine. In this case, you need to look for an antifreeze leak in the cabin. From the driver's side, as well as from the passenger's side, you need to raise the mat. If the mat is wet or damp under it, it means that antifreeze is flowing from the heater radiator.
The cheapest way to eliminate such a defect is the same gel sealant of the cooling system. If he did not give the desired result, then you will have to remove the stove radiator and solder it or change it. The bad thing is that in order to remove the heater radiator, you need to completely disassemble the front panel, otherwise you simply won’t be able to get to it. If the stove radiator is not expensive, then it is better to replace it, because soldering will not guarantee the same quality.
Numerous reviews of the Lancer 9 (Lancerf IX) allow us to judge this car as a fairly high-quality and reliable one. But since there are no perfect cars, there are small disadvantages and weaknesses Lancer 9, which are worth paying attention to both the owners of the Lancer IX, and those who are just going to buy this car.
For each problem, we decided to get the opinion of the site's editor, and, in combination, the owner of the Lancer 9.
Weaknesses Mitsubishi Lancer IX
Sensitivity to fuel quality
"92nd or 95th?" - a question that is relevant for all owners of Mitsubishi Lancer 9. Disputes over the octane number do not stop among owners to this day. The instruction manual says that you should refuel with gasoline with an octane rating of 92.95 and higher. Often in Russia, the 95th is made by adding additives to the 92nd. As a result, the octane number increases, but the quality of the fuel deteriorates, which affects engine parts. The solution may be the use of 92nd gasoline. The 98th, according to the observations of some Lancer owners, can lead to engine overheating and valve failure.
Note from the site editor site: I do not consider the described issue to be a shortcoming or a weak point. I used it myself before (for about a year and a half, 95th gasoline - there were no problems). Today, I have been using the 92nd for more than a year and also no problems arise.
Fuel consumption Lancer 9
Fuel consumption is the first thing the owner pays attention to. For the most popular 1.6-liter engine option among motorists, the consumption is: in the city - 8-10 liters per 100 km, on the highway 6-9 liters per 100 km.
If the consumption increases to 15 liters per 100 km even with a 1.6 liter engine, then this means that you need to pay attention to the catalyst. It is its pollution that leads to such a large fuel consumption. The problem will be solved by replacing the catalytic converter. Ferrocene deposits contribute to catalytic failure. Ferrocene has a specific brick color and its deposits can be seen on the lambda probe and candles, which in this case will also have to be replaced.
If power is lost and gasoline consumption has increased, then perhaps the reason lies in the throttle. Some car owners are foolishly advised to clean the throttle valve, with inept cleaning, this procedure threatens to “swim” revolutions. So be careful.
Note from the editor: I have a Lancer 9 with a 1.3L engine. problems, about the expense, as you know, does not arise.
Air conditioner Lancer 9
By itself, it does not cause problems. You only need to turn it on about once a week. This must be done even in winter. The goal is to prevent leakage of air conditioner seals. You can turn it on in winter as follows: first, thoroughly warm up the interior with a heater, and only then turn on the air conditioner.
Note from the editor: to be honest, I have never heard of this procedure, so I can’t say anything about it, the air conditioner works fine.
Water in the cabin Lancer 9
If the smell of dampness and rot appeared in the car, then most likely this is due to water that has penetrated inside the passenger compartment. In some cases, water can enter through the plug between the passenger compartment and the wheel arch of the left front wheel. The problem is solved simply: you need to remove the mudguard, bend the fender liner and vigorously put the plug in place.
Editor's Note: Haven't encountered this issue.
Soundproofing Lancer 9
Noise isolation leaves much to be desired. This is especially true of thresholds and wheel arches.
Editor's Note: I totally agree. Noise isolation Lancer 9, unfortunately, is inferior to European cars. But this, in general, is the weak point of almost all "Japanese". Soon we plan to post an article on our site on soundproofing Lancer IX with our own hands.
Fogging headlights Lancer 9
This is due to the design of the headlights and may occur in wet weather. Eliminated by turning on the low beam. If this does not help, then it makes sense to contact the warranty service center. In general, the problem is solved by cleaning the ventilation holes and lubricating them with sealant.
Note from the editor: fogging of headlights can also occur after unsuccessful tuning, when their sealing is broken.
Disadvantages of Lancer 9 optics
The owners have repeatedly noted that the brightness of the headlights is clearly not enough. It is solved by replacing the dipped and main beam headlights with more suitable brightness, or by installing xenon.
Note from the editor: I remind you that the installation of xenon lamps in headlights that are not intended for this is prohibited. But no one will stop you from "collective farming" or installing special lenses.
The rather high cost of official spare parts and maintenance of Lancer 9
For a golf-class car, the Lancer is too expensive for original parts and maintenance. Of course, you can reduce costs by using suitable non-original parts.
Editor's note: I agree about original parts, but there are a huge number of analogues on the market, so there are ways to reduce the cost of service without compromising quality.
Brake discs Lancer 9
The generally recognized weak point of the Mitsubishi Lancer IX. Already by the first MOT they will need to be replaced, and at high speeds when braking they will “lead”. In some cases, they can crack or even break.
Note from the editor: you, of course, got excited about the first MOT. I myself encountered the problem of driven disks, but this happened during a run of about 80 thousand km.
Suspension Lancer 9
The suspension is hard. So long trips on not very good roads can be tiring.
Note from the editor: of course, how many people - so many opinions, but I do not think the suspension of the Lancer 9 is too stiff.
Fragile paint finish
Insufficient enamel strength can easily lead to cracks and chips, which in turn leads to rust.
Note from the editor: I myself noticed small chips on the thresholds of the rear door somewhere around 85 thousand km. mileage
Of the minor shortcomings, I also want to note the dimensions of the trunk, which are very modest for a city sedan, and the location of the washer reservoir under the hood in a cold place is not the best, so diluting the anti-freeze with water and saving money will not work.
In conclusion, we can say that the Mitsubishi Lancer IX still has much more advantages than disadvantages, and with proper timely maintenance, it will faithfully serve its owner without causing any special problems in operation.
Such a malfunction cannot be classified as “fatal” for a car, but it can create problems for the driver. In this case, the generator will work with increased load, which accelerates its failure. Also, the low temperature of the coolant will not allow you to create comfortable conditions when traveling in the cold season on the Mitsubishi Lancer 9, fuel consumption will increase. The drivers of these cars can find and fix the problem, sometimes they don’t even need a car tester.
Where to start the search
First of all, check the level of coolant in the engine, since an insufficient level will cause rapid warm-up and turn on the fans. The cleanliness of the cooling surface of the radiators also has a huge impact. Dirty plates will not effectively remove excess heat. Blowing out the radiator with compressed air can solve this problem.
Check the operation of the thermostat, as if it is in the closed state, there will be overheating of the coolant. You can check it without removing it from the engine. To do this, touch the lower radiator hose, which should be hot. If this is not observed, unplug the fan power connector and let the motor run. Heating the lower pipe will confirm that the thermostat is working, and the problem may be in the electrical equipment of the car.
What do they do in this case?
A car tester checks the temperature gauge sensor, which is installed in the thermostat housing. Disconnect the wires from it and measure its resistance with an ohmmeter. Automotive electricians have special resistance tables for this sensor, depending on the temperature of the coolant. In a garage, you can do without them. The device should not show if the sensor is open or short circuited.
After that, the electronic fan control unit is tested. It can be easily found on the radiator frame of the engine cooling system. It comes with a 3-wire harness. They supply ground, + power and a control signal from the electronic engine control unit. It should be carefully removed from the machine, then disassembled and soldered all the contacts with a low-power soldering iron. If after such an operation the problem persists, this unit will have to be replaced. Its acquisition is not a problem today. They are available in retail chains, as well as in car dismantling.
