Discussion
Sigh.
I've just got back from dropping my wife off at work, and thought I better check my fluid levels as i'm heading off to Bournemouth in an hour or so, which is a 250 mile drive.
I popped the bonnet and the water reservoir seemed pretty low. So, I started to unscrew the lid and bubbling hot water started to rise inside the reservoir very quickly towards the lid. I closed the lid again to prevent myself getting scalded by boiling water. I left it for a few minutes and it settled down and returned to a normal level.
I have noticed in the last couple of weeks that the car has been running hot, but not had chance to take it to my mechanic as yet.
Does it sound like it's overheating? I suppose there are numerous reasons for this; radiator, head gasket etc?
I have a video if it helps!
Cheers
I've just got back from dropping my wife off at work, and thought I better check my fluid levels as i'm heading off to Bournemouth in an hour or so, which is a 250 mile drive.
I popped the bonnet and the water reservoir seemed pretty low. So, I started to unscrew the lid and bubbling hot water started to rise inside the reservoir very quickly towards the lid. I closed the lid again to prevent myself getting scalded by boiling water. I left it for a few minutes and it settled down and returned to a normal level.
I have noticed in the last couple of weeks that the car has been running hot, but not had chance to take it to my mechanic as yet.
Does it sound like it's overheating? I suppose there are numerous reasons for this; radiator, head gasket etc?
I have a video if it helps!
Cheers
The bubbling was the result of the pressure release from the cap being removed.
When the car is cool, top the coolant/water if necessary.
Keep an eye on it for the next week or so. If the coolant level drops it's leaking. Either directly to the outside world via a leaking hose or tired water pump(which is likely to be untraumatic to put right), or via the head gasket into the cylinders or via the head gasket into the oil.
If you have what looks like mayonnaise on the dipstick, then you have water finding its way into the oil.
ETA: Overheating will show up on the temp gauge...as long as there is coolant. A rapidly declining temperature can be the result of a non-pumping water pump or the rapid departure of coolant.
When the car is cool, top the coolant/water if necessary.
Keep an eye on it for the next week or so. If the coolant level drops it's leaking. Either directly to the outside world via a leaking hose or tired water pump(which is likely to be untraumatic to put right), or via the head gasket into the cylinders or via the head gasket into the oil.
If you have what looks like mayonnaise on the dipstick, then you have water finding its way into the oil.
ETA: Overheating will show up on the temp gauge...as long as there is coolant. A rapidly declining temperature can be the result of a non-pumping water pump or the rapid departure of coolant.
Edited by bikemonster on Thursday 26th August 09:47
The fluid boiling when you release the pressure is normal. First thing to do is top up the water level once the car's cool enough. That should solve your overheating.
But the question is where's the coolant going? Likely to be a leak somewhere. Hopefully it's just a hose that's loose and tightening it up will solve it. However it could be a leak from the radiator or worst still, could be leaking into the engine through the headgasket. When the engine's cool, take the oil cap off and check for mayonnaise type residue forming on the bottom of the cap.
You need to have a good look around the cooling system to see which of the above it might be. If you can't do it yourself, and semi decent garage should be able to identify the likely leak.
In the short term, for your trip, just top the water up, carry a couple of spare bottles of water in the car too and keep an eye on the temp and water level and you should be ok. It won't six itself though, so best get it looked at soon, when you get the time.
But the question is where's the coolant going? Likely to be a leak somewhere. Hopefully it's just a hose that's loose and tightening it up will solve it. However it could be a leak from the radiator or worst still, could be leaking into the engine through the headgasket. When the engine's cool, take the oil cap off and check for mayonnaise type residue forming on the bottom of the cap.
You need to have a good look around the cooling system to see which of the above it might be. If you can't do it yourself, and semi decent garage should be able to identify the likely leak.
In the short term, for your trip, just top the water up, carry a couple of spare bottles of water in the car too and keep an eye on the temp and water level and you should be ok. It won't six itself though, so best get it looked at soon, when you get the time.
As above, the bubbling is due to you releasing the pressure rather than the water being too hot. Because the coolant system is pressurised, the water can reach 120*c before boiling.
As long as the water level is correct when cold and the gauge is showing something ordinary then you'll be fine.
As long as the water level is correct when cold and the gauge is showing something ordinary then you'll be fine.
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