Serious overheating, did I get away with it?

[Medieval Dave]

Well, it happened.

Was just about to leave the motorway on the way to work. glanced down at the clocks as I indicated and the temperature was in the red, by the time I could get off onto the side and turn the engine off it was on the stop past the top of the red.

Got the bonnet open and steam everywhere. once it was cool I saw the radiator was split open right along the top. The RAC man put a load of 'chemical metal' on it which slowed it to a trickle, then pump radseal in which slowed it to a weep.

after this it was holding pressure, and came up to temperature (smartly up to the middle of the gague and stop there). No smoke, running fine. I just drove home 30 miles including some standing traffic and it was perfect. no bubbles in the overflow, no Mayo in the oil, no overpressure.

So do I just chuck on a new radiator, cross my fingers, and keep an eye on it?

Dave

[da SLUG man]

yeah... give it a good flush out to get rid of the $hit he poured in too!

[NiftyNev]

yeah... give it a good flush out to get rid of the $hit he poured in too!

I wouldn't let anyone put that C**P in any engine of mine.

Nev

[da SLUG man]

I wouldn't let anyone put that C**P in any engine of mine.

Nev

it's ok for an emergency fix... but wouldn't leave it in longterm!

[Medieval Dave]

I can't say I'm worried, not much is likely to be left after changing the radiator and clearing airlocks. I'm more worried about the stress I've put on the head.

[dirtydog]

think your probably ok if the rad had split, once its losing water the temp gauge will never be accurate.

you can only dot eh rad/stat/cap as the cheapest options first.

[kitesurf_phil]

I have a 2.4 and have overheated it quite badly at least three times. Twice it was due to mud blocking the rad and the other time was due to not keeping an eye on the coolant level. Touch wood - I have got away with it.

[Medieval Dave]

I have a 2.4 and have overheated it quite badly at least three times. .... Touch wood - I have got away with it.

Cheers Phil, You are saying all the right things. 'cos I do have £140 for a new radiator but I seriously don't have the price of a new head, even at stevo's reasonable prices.

[fatfires]

so if you want to save a few quid why not repair the rad - it's only copper and solder, or a rad repairer (rebuilder) could upgrade your core and put a new top tank on

[Medieval Dave]

Unfortunately time is money. I will have a new one in my hands for £140 tommorow morning. To take it out, get it repaired and get it back in would cost me a day's wages, or a couple of days car hire.