Engine overheating Dark water in Rad

Engine overheating Dark water in Rad

Author
Discussion

lickatysplit

Original Poster:

470 posts

130 months

Friday 21st November 2014
quotequote all
Hello All,

driving home today my car started overheating. I managed to pull over to let it cool down and checked the coolant levels. it Appeared low but when I put coolant in it was actually quite full (it was dark outside) but the water appeared quite dark inside. any ideas before I think the worst?

BritishRacinGrin

24,700 posts

160 months

Saturday 22nd November 2014
quotequote all
What shade of dark?

When was the coolant last flushed / replaced?

No need to fear the worst just yet as it could just be a failed thermostat, water pump, blocked radiator etc. Head gasket failure normally manifests itself as coolant in the oil rather than the other way 'round, and if you did have oil in the coolant you'd be looking for a brown oily emulsion floating in the header tank.

lickatysplit

Original Poster:

470 posts

130 months

Monday 24th November 2014
quotequote all
ok after a little investigation it appears its both the water pump AND the Thermo. brilliant

BritishRacinGrin

24,700 posts

160 months

Monday 24th November 2014
quotequote all
You've gotten off lightly, I feared head gasket.