4 weeks or so ago I had new water pump.

Following that, 2 coolant pipes leaked (due to being incorrectly refitted, not from being knackered or bursting) and have been replaced.

Then 2 weeks later one coolant pipe fell into the fan and got ripped and burst. Lots of coolant gone. Replaced that 2 days ago.

So of course the system has been open 3 or 4 times, lost lots of coolant and replaced 3 times. I did use a vacuum thing to refil the last time, but I cant say for sure that I did it properly

Over the day or 2, level stays fine when driving and hot, but next morning when cold I have to add a pint or so top top up to the max mark.

I am thinking its just air that is in various places. Cant see any actual leaks and temps are fine via IID

Is it normal to have to top up a bit after the system being open and so many hoses being replaced?

Hello Phil, nothing unusual for me.
I had the same situation with my previous V8 P38 when I decide to replace all the coolant pipes, I had to add half a liter one or two times during the first 1000km following the replacement.
Probabely due to some "air pockets" remaining into the very complicated coolant loop...
Kind regards

Definitely normal but it should eventually stabilise and not continue to drop.

Thank you gents.

I guess I am just a bit nervous because nothing seems to have been easy since the visit to the garage!

I should have done the water pump and belts myself, but thought the garage would do it quicker!!!!

I can feel your frustration with the garage. I have very bad experience myself, being a rip off and poor workmanship victim in the past. As a result now, I demand any work on the cooling system and the eventual system bleeding to be carried out in my presence, including a pressure test. With that said, If I can do the job myself, I just do it and have peace of mind. On your coolant top-up question, yes, it is very normal having to add some coolant, even after having bled the system to the best of your ability. As mentioned by others though, the level should stabilize at some point, say after a couple driving cycles.

Thanks. It seems to have settled now, not topped it up after the last 2 drives which were an hour or so long, so hopefully thats one issue fixed.

Now onto the O2 sensor, which appears has been rubbing on the front propshaft!

should be fine now.

The O2 sensor is easy.

Glad its sorted sir... Till the next thing