i have a space cruiser,d reg,2lt petrol
last summer a stone hit my radiator the warning lights came on the engine got realy hot lost all the water, the aa tried to repair it but the rad kept on getting more holes, was towed home.had my rad recored refitted by mechanic.now when i leave the engine running the engine temp stays in the middle but the temp one takes ages to rise starts to come up slowly, the heater gets warm but not realy hot then gos cooler,the engine does not send any hot water to the expantion tank the water in there ia realy clean, no water in the oil, could it be the thermstat,or could it be the head,how do i check hope some one can help

- (#9205) kevin, 12 Mar 04 05:18

Could be an airlock, insufficient coolant or faulty thermostat.

- (#9205) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 12 Mar 04 05:44

thanks ian,
how do i check for an air lock, how much coolant should i use,and how do i check the thermostat sorry about all the questions. cheers

- (#9205) kevin, 12 Mar 04 09:31

Are you losing any coolant?
Does the rear heater get hot?
If no to both I'd guess at duff/no thermostat fitted.
Does the top of the rad get hot/warm?
Thermostat housed on the engine end of the bottom hose housing/connection point.
If the rear heater and top of rad get and stay hot, then likely to be an airlock. Drain down the system and refill very slowly with front heater valve set to hoy (the rear one is always supplied with hot coolant).
Best of luck and we all know what you are doing over the weekend.

- (#9205) Clive (Bristol), 12 Mar 04 15:33

Has the pick up tube in the expansion tank dropped off or collapsing/clogged under suction? Check these and unscrew the pressure/rad cap when cold to ensure its full of coolant.
If the expansion tank level does not increase when the engines hot then it does suggest there is not enough coolant in the system to begin with....

- (#9205) chis turner, 12 Mar 04 17:25