Last Saturday the temperature went up into the red on the gauge (1999 1.9 140bhp).
There was fluid and steam coming from the lower part of the radiator. I have replaced the reservoir earlier this year but think it did still leak around the seal a little. I used a radiator seal to close it off which seemed to work.
I eventually after a couple of stops and top up, called the RAC because I was beginning to think the viscous/clutch fan may be at fault or worse the water pump. It seemed like there was coolant in the reservoir but it still overheated. I also noted no heat from the heater inside (air lock)
Whilst waiting for the RAC I knew there was a Tesco close by and bought four bottles of water, that in itself turned out funny as I bought sparkling water (read the label). Anyway I emptied four litres of fiz in the radiator and released the bleed screw.
Low and behold it was right again, cancelled the RAC and drove home. At home it was hissing again and I noted some fluid loss.
So what did I take from this?
All that sounds like normal operation but it has always made a roaring sound from the cooling fan when you first start up on a cold morning or even a slightly warm one which does seem odd. I never checked the cooling fan when the needle approaches red because it should then have resistance. I could probably try that but am not keen
The only other thing I have not checked is the thermostat, perhaps it is stuck partially open?
Ideas and thoughts?
There was fluid and steam coming from the lower part of the radiator. I have replaced the reservoir earlier this year but think it did still leak around the seal a little. I used a radiator seal to close it off which seemed to work.
I eventually after a couple of stops and top up, called the RAC because I was beginning to think the viscous/clutch fan may be at fault or worse the water pump. It seemed like there was coolant in the reservoir but it still overheated. I also noted no heat from the heater inside (air lock)
Whilst waiting for the RAC I knew there was a Tesco close by and bought four bottles of water, that in itself turned out funny as I bought sparkling water (read the label). Anyway I emptied four litres of fiz in the radiator and released the bleed screw.
Low and behold it was right again, cancelled the RAC and drove home. At home it was hissing again and I noted some fluid loss.
So what did I take from this?
- Water pump is OK
- I do once again have a leak. Damn reservoir or lower hose.
- It only overheats and loses lots of fluid when I am stationary in a queue and we are having exceptionally hot weather.
- It has not done it since, in fact I have used it all week for work which is a longer journey but less queuing and less hot weather.
All that sounds like normal operation but it has always made a roaring sound from the cooling fan when you first start up on a cold morning or even a slightly warm one which does seem odd. I never checked the cooling fan when the needle approaches red because it should then have resistance. I could probably try that but am not keen
The only other thing I have not checked is the thermostat, perhaps it is stuck partially open?
Ideas and thoughts?
.