Overheating like a boiling kettle
My Lite Ace keeps overheating like a boiling kettle and water spurts out from the expansion tank. Even on a short journey it happens, admittedly there is no coolant and i have taken out the thermostat. I am daily putting water in and i hear a glug sound when i turn the engine off.Do i need coolant? does the water need bleeding? if so how. Any further advice let me know. Last year "Gertrude" got my family and i back to Italy this year i cant get to the shops.
- (#9908) Mark, 4 Aug 03 16:09
Hi Mark
I’m not sure exactly what you mean when you admit there’s no coolant, but if you mean you have emptied the cooling system, then its not surprising that its overheating. Low coolant levels, even if its only a Litre short, will reduce the coolant levels enough to cause overheating, and possible engine damage. If you have removed the thermostat, this will also cause overheating. Basically the coolant is flowing too fast to allow it to collect enough heat whilst in the engine, and to fast to release what little heat it has in the radiator.
First off, put the thermostat back in, and refill the cooling system. Refill very slowly, use a jug rather than a hose. This will minimise the air locks. Then start the engine and gently run it with the rad cap off, and top off as necessary. Once the thermostat has opened, continue to run for a couple of minutes. Any signs of violent boiling, and shut it down quickly.
The most common cause of boiling coolant is insufficient pressure, so start by replacing the rad cap. If this fails to cure the problem, look for leaks in the system. Also keep an eye on the colour of the coolant. If its getting darker, or has turned completely black, the chances are the head is cracked.
Hope that helps
Dave Bright (Bournemouth)
- (#9909) dave Bright, 5 Aug 03 1:05
Hi Mark and Dave.
I have a similar problem, glugging sound boiling but the temp guage always shows as normal temp, I have the correct amount of coolant (well i did have) and a thermostat.
Tonite it all came to a head, literally, the car had been on a short run 7 miles and when we got home it was boilin like a kettle steam and water comin out of the expansion tank. I lifted the passenger seat to let it cool off went back to it just in time to watch the rad cap go into orbit and get a body wash in very hot water.
I phoned a friend who immediately said it sounds like the head gasket and that i should not drive the car and get it recovered to his garage and that with the cap going could well mean engine damage.
Do you think this is so and what will be needed? new engine? Head? or hopefully just head gasket? How much any idea?
- (#9910) Marc D Hamilton, 5 Aug 03 16:11
Hi Marc
If the rad cap blew off then it may have been the cause of the fault. The coolant has a tendency to boil if the pressure, produced by the rad cap is reduced. Try replacing the rad cap with a new one first. If engine damage has occurred, then only time will tell.
Hope that helps
Dave Bright (Bournemouth)
- (#9911) dave Bright, 6 Aug 03 2:47
Thanx Dave
I hope thats all it is, anyway off to phone the RAC now and get it sorted.....Marc
- (#9912) Marc D Hamilton, 6 Aug 03 2:54
I have a leak of water coming from a small hole on the passenger side of the engine. My garage changed the thermostat, before they saw the leak and are now saying that it could be the head gasket. This could cost about £300-£500.
I am going to take it to a dealer next week to get an estimate and see if it could be anything else.
It has done on 43k miles and is 16 years old and I have had it from new, so I am reluctant to have it stripped down if it does not require it. I wonder if the hole just needs blocking? Any ideas anyone please?
- (#9913) John, 8 Aug 03 4:42
My Lite Ace keeps overheating like a boiling kettle and water spurts out from the expansion tank. Even on a short journey it happens, admittedly there is no coolant and i have taken out the thermostat. I am daily putting water in and i hear a glug sound when i turn the engine off.Do i need coolant? does the water need bleeding? if so how. Any further advice let me know. Last year "Gertrude" got my family and i back to Italy this year i cant get to the shops.
- (#9914) Mark, 4 Aug 03 16:07
methinks you need a head gasket...
- (#9915) david miller, 5 Aug 03 1:21