hi all i have had the townie for 2 weeks 89 2ltd 4wd
runs like a dream but i have had to top up every couple of days new rad cap on her expantion tank full but not filling the system any help please thanks jason

- (#10515) jason, 14 Sep 03 13:55

You've got a small leak in the system somewhere. It's gotta be AIRTIGHT to make the necessary vacuum on cooldown to suck in the water...
Check hoses, rad, then get pressure test carried out. Sometimes pressurising the system COLD shows leaks quicker, the leak can't steam off.

And if you can't find anything external, start saving for a head gasket job...

- (#10516) david miller, 14 Sep 03 14:14

Have a look in the expansion bottle. There should be a pipe from the cap down to near the bottom. If it is missing/ damaged, it will give this symptom.

- (#10517) Ray, 14 Sep 03 18:18

hi all left the car cool down overnight opened rad cap
and a sucktion noise was heard but no water was sucked up the pipe . the pipe in the expansion tank my be to long but cant see how that would stop the water thanks
all

- (#10518) jason, 15 Sep 03 16:34

Check that the pipe in the expansion bottle has not gone to soft it should be quite stiff. OK to let water out under pressure but justs seals itself up when sucking back.

- (#10519) Clive, 16 Sep 03 1:27

When you said new rad cap, I HOPE you mean the Toyota one with the plastic float? If not, the other kind can take quite a vacuum to open, causing exactly the symptoms you describe...

- (#10520) david miller, 16 Sep 03 2:00

it is a toyota one from dealer but no float i asked for one with float and told theyer not for my chasie
number paid £17.50 for it where can i get one with float in thanks jason

- (#10757) jason, 16 Sep 03 17:05

Have you checked out Clives suggestion - old hoses can collapse inwards under vacuum - blocking themselves - bearing in mind your vehicles age I would renew these anyway (pressure cap to expansion and under expansion cap).
Try twisting any hoses on their spigots to check they are secure - they do need to be well sealed
The vehicle didnt have exp pick up tube on purchase? (same jason?) you will probably find the old one at the bottom of tank and its possible the new tube has caught the old one or the tank has foriegn matter in it. Empty the expansion tank and ensure it is clean - while its empty you can work out if the new tube is right length etc.
Toyota dealer will give you the cap you want if you INSIST (ensure correct pressure rating though - 0.9?)

Not sure, but are you saying the expansion tank fills with expanded coolant when hot - but it doesnt get sucked back to the engine on cooling?
- (#10758) chris turner, 17 Sep 03 5:11

hi all put new hose on from rad to exp tank and in side gave the tank a good clean out was stincking in side the tank dose fill will now in the morning and yes chirs turner the same jason thank to all jason

- (#10759) jason, 17 Sep 03 12:11