too much pressure in coolant?? 1.8 digi

[Donuts]

I have a persistent leak from the union of the lower rad hose and the radiator itself. It is intermittent.
Originally I thought that the leak was from the radiator, which I replaced. I have also replaced the header tank and the tank cap. I also replaced the original rad hose clip with a jubilee clip. It still leaks. Hoses get quite hard - maybe head gasket is leaking gas into the system, over-pressurising it. car performs very well. Engine does not consume oil or coolant. No coolant in oil, and no oil in coolant.
What do you reckon? I am thinking of changing the lowere rad hose itself. If it is distorted somehow, it could leak undo pressure and/or heat. Or maybe the head gasket is on its way out. Suggestions very much appreciated!

[adam_mk2]

i have the same problem!

[Diamond Hell]

Take your cars to a garage (or an AA man) who will 'sniff' your coolant for carbon monoxide. 

This will get into the coolant if you have a cracked head or a blown headgasket.

[DarnPB]

You could just have an airlock that you don't know is there. The pressure may be the same, but if you have a larger volume of air wanting to expand, it has to go somewhere and it will leak at the weekest point.

[Donuts]

Thanks.
First I will take it for a drive with the coolant tank cap removed and heater full on. Will let it boil over - should sort any airlock.
Then will get the coolant checked for gas from the combustion.
Next on list is a RR wheel bearing. Then need to sort out why there is a rough noise when I depress and release the clutch pedal. It never ends! Nevertheless, its a nice - but expensive- hobby.

I appreciate the help.

[danny_p]

if there is to much pressure the cap will vent surely

[Mr Blue]

Ive got the same problem.

yesterday i fitted a mk3 vr6 engine-to-heater matrix pipe that has a bleeder tap built in. So far so good. Bled up quickly too.

Always have alot of air in the matrix. Maybe its time for a new one

[Diamond Hell]

Then need to sort out why there is a rough noise when I depress and release the clutch pedal. It never ends! Nevertheless, its a nice - but expensive- hobby.

Sounds like the clutch release bearing is probably on it's way out.

Engine and gearbox split coming up for you.

At least you'll get to know the car inside out - you DID say it was a hobby 

[Donuts]

Then need to sort out why there is a rough noise when I depress and release the clutch pedal. It never ends! Nevertheless, its a nice - but expensive- hobby.

Sounds like the clutch release bearing is probably on it's way out.

Engine and gearbox split coming up for you.

At least you'll get to know the car inside out - you DID say it was a hobby 

Turns out that it was low on gear oil. Added 300ml and now its fine!

[Donuts]

Then need to sort out why there is a rough noise when I depress and release the clutch pedal. It never ends! Nevertheless, its a nice - but expensive- hobby.

Sounds like the clutch release bearing is probably on it's way out.

Engine and gearbox split coming up for you.

At least you'll get to know the car inside out - you DID say it was a hobby 

The noise is back
Looks like the bearing will have to be replaced.
Bled any remaining air from the coolant. Think its still over-pressurising. Will get it tested for gas. Looks like the HG will have to be done
 
Turns out that it was low on gear oil. Added 300ml and now its fine!