Got a problem...need more advice !
Got a problem...need more advice !
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fozzy360

Original Poster:

7 posts

209 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
quotequote all
On the way home from work, noticed loads of steam pouring out the back of my 2003 S2. Got home, flipped the lid and the expansion tank next to engine is the culprit, steam pouring out of it, temperature was hitting 107 C. Got a flat bed coming to take it away to the local dealer tomorrow and hoping warranty will cover it.any ideas what it sounds like the issue is?

S Works

10,166 posts

273 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
quotequote all
Knackered cap?

Sam_68

9,939 posts

268 months

Wednesday 11th March 2009
quotequote all
Could be lots of things. Amongst others:

Radiator fan failed? Thermostat failed? Air lock in cooling system (in which case you need to work out why). Belt that drives the water pump failed or slipping badly (in which case you'd expect a charge warning light and/or battery charging problems as well)? Head gasket failure?

The expansion bottle cap is designed to vent excess pressure, so it will spew steam out if the system overheats and/or it's been overfilled, but conversely if the cap isn't air-tight at normal operating pressures, you will gradually lose coolant and eventually overheat (you do check your coolant levels weekly, of course, don't you?).