radiator coolant

[AlexKzn130]

Should i be able to see coolant when i open the radiator cap?

[shokenore]

Should i be able to see coolant when i open the radiator cap?

Under normal conditions yes.

[AlexKzn130]

cool thanks, its dry as f**k so hopefully thats the cause of my overheating not a dreaded cracked head

[Overland Tonka]

The coolant would go down if you have a cracked head...fingers crossed.

[AlexKzn130]

theres plenty in the exspansion tank would that not go down as it tries to refill the rad?

[tashtego]

theres plenty in the exspansion tank would that not go down as it tries to refill the rad?

Yes it should be sucked back from the tank into the system as the engine cools. Maybe the return valve thingy between rad and expansion tank is blocked?

[shokenore]

theres plenty in the exspansion tank would that not go down as it tries to refill the rad?

It should do.
As the engine cools down the expanded coolant from the expansion chamber is or should be sucked bac k into the main coolant system.

If you have a leak it may not be able to suck back from the expansion tank.

Have a look at the rad cap first then the hose from the expansion tank.

The cap can fail and the hose can block.

[AlexKzn130]

It should do.
As the engine cools down the expanded coolant from the expansion chamber is or should be sucked bac k into the main coolant system.

If you have a leak it may not be able to suck back from the expansion tank.

Have a look at the rad cap first then the hose from the expansion tank.

The cap can fail and the hose can block.

im going to have a look now got some coolant for a flush too as its always been muddy so i should done it a while ago, on the other hand my exhaust was clean when i started it this morning should it not be deep white smoke if coolant made it into the cylinders??

[shokenore]

im going to have a look now got some coolant for a flush too as its always been muddy so i should done it a while ago, on the other hand my exhaust was clean when i started it this morning should it not be deep white smoke if coolant made it into the cylinders??

I think the phrase is Steam Bath.

How much have you lost coolant wise?

[AlexKzn130]

well in the tank it would appear none, but the rad looks pretty dry

[shokenore]

Then you have lost a fair bit.

Any previous symptons?

[AlexKzn130]

I think the phrase is Steam Bath.

How much have you lost coolant wise?

could it be the thermostat?

[AlexKzn130]

Any previous symptons?

heaters aren't working airs ice cold

[shokenore]

You have a leak.

You need to look for a limscale like deposit around all the hose junctions, around the rad cap and have a good look around the radiator.
If you can find no obvious leaks then you will need to procede further.

IMHO if I was you I would fill it back up with clean water burp all the air out of the system and rig up a method of slightly pressurisng the system.

I used a push bike pump with a guage to pressurise the system then go round and look for tiny weeps or a massive jet of water.

By chance do you have any damp footwell carperts?
Rear heater?

[AlexKzn130]

You have a leak.



By chance do you have any damp footwell carperts?
Rear heater?

no i dont think they are damp.

rear heater is cold too