Uh oh! Just in time for summer......

[Rodriguez]

 Hi all.

Twice now, my 8v has got a little warm and subsequentially lost a whole load of coolant from the reservoir overflow after the engine's been switched off.  Does this happen when overheating (cos I'm not sure if the fan's cutting in) or is it a symptom of something else?

Obviously h' gasket is my biggest concern but it hasn't got any of the other symptoms.

Was wondering if any cooling system experts could shed any light on the subject before I have a butchers on the weekend

[Mk2George]

First thing to do is check if the fan is cutting in. If it is and you`re still losing coolant then its possibly an airlock in the system somewhere.

Loosen off the bottom hose and drain her out, then refill slowley squeezing as many of the pipes as you can while doing so. When it reaches the level turn her on but leave the cap off. After a while it will bubble over, at this point turn off and top up back to the line on the coolant expansion tank. Stick the cap back on and go for a spin - once it has cooled down enough to take the cap off again top it up (if it needs it) and job should be a good-un`   

[dan_apps]

is it boiling over?

[Rodriguez]

is it boiling over?

Don't think so. Just surges out when I've switched off.

[Agreeable Slick]

The real first thing to do would be to change the expansion cap lid to a new one. They are renowned for blowing the seal.

[Rodriguez]

Its a relatively new tank.  Is there any sure way to check?

[Mr Blue]

I had this problem when I used the nasty concentrated coolant from halfords. I kept thinking it was a air lock in the system and must have bled the system many times.

Im now using the G12+ coolant from VW and now does not do this. Im even using the black early type cap.

Check if your fan is working in by removing the plug on the fan switch. Now bridge the red wire to the black/red (fan should spin) and then the red wire to the the white/red and the fan should spin at a different speed.
If not then check the plugs for any oxidisation on the terminals. clean them up if so.

[Rodriguez]

Good advice.


Thanks peeps

[rubjonny]

was it a new lid as well?

[Rodriguez]

was it a new lid as well?

Didn't buy it myself, but good point