Help! Tank cap not tight? Steam? Coolant leaking! SOS!

Help! Tank cap not tight? Steam? Coolant leaking! SOS!

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MyDirtyThirty

Original Poster:

13 posts

92 months

Friday 30th September 2016
quotequote all
Hi there,

About an hour ago I filled up the coolant in my mk4 golf to the max level. Stupidly, as I was in a bit of a rush, I am not 100% sure I made sure the tank cap was exactly tight as it should be. I doubted it then thought "oh it will be fine."

BIG MISTAKE.

On dual carriageway, smoke/steam coming out of expansion tank, then, as I managed to get the car to a relatives, I looked to see that my coolant was now empty, and pouring out what looks like the radiator at the front. Pink stuff everywhere.

If I re-full my coolant again and tighten the cap is this ok, or have I caused serious damage?

Thanks for your help!

Edited by MyDirtyThirty on Friday 30th September 20:46

MyDirtyThirty

Original Poster:

13 posts

92 months

Friday 30th September 2016
quotequote all
Ok thanks I'll try- but how does it work that without the cap this coolant is pouring out of my car?

Edited by MyDirtyThirty on Friday 30th September 17:49

MyDirtyThirty

Original Poster:

13 posts

92 months

Friday 30th September 2016
quotequote all
Well Andy, update: put coolant in to the min level left it standing an hour and it drained. Seemed to be coming from underneath again. Coolant light on and a tiny amount in the bottom. Then, put coolant in at max again- it went down and I drove the car 5 miles and it went right down to min. Currently leaving it overnight to cool right down. Not sure whether this means there is a hole in the system or not?

Edited by MyDirtyThirty on Friday 30th September 20:47