steam out of header unit

[fubar sounds]

since this rain started twice i v noticed a fair bit of steam out of the header unit , when i start reversing to park up , after i v been out in heavy rain , which causes a lot of start stop traffic type driving , which generally results in me flooring it wen i get a chance , the temp was slightly higher than normal at 97degrees. Should i be concerned ??

[C3BER]

You may just have pooled water dropping onto the exhaust.

If it is coming out of the header tank then when it's cool check the level. I would fill halfway up the hole at the bottom and no more giving max expansion when your system gets hot.

You may also have a knackered cap.

Edited by C3BER on Sunday 15th September 16:38

[fubar sounds]

The hot air heater was blowing cold when the engine was idling so I assumed there may be an airlock , I ran the engine for a bit with the cap off and topped it up a bit ,

On parking up just now , it did it again but the temperature gauge dint stop rising it was practically in the oil gauge , I am now concerned !,

[scotty_d]

Did you bleed the water rails as well as the radiator, I would give it a full bleed first and see how you get on from there.

[Supateg]

Yes you have an airlock.

1. Bleed the system (one or two guides on here)
2. Get a new expansion cap (They do fail)

3. Monitor the cooling system for leaks, and the temps. (Your temp gauge will read hot around 5 degrees and the sensor pipe may be getting superheated by the exhaust manifold. Check its routing when you bleed the O/S water rail. For reliable water temps connect up the diagnostic software.

[C3BER]

You now see why I have this fitted

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=...

I have the first one fitted and its going to have a swirl pot fitted on the next up-grade. Once everything is fully checked this will be the next must have up-grade to stop what your having now.

Air is a bugger in a closed system and I reckon you have a small leak which allows air to be sucked in when the engine is cooling down.

[fubar sounds]

Parking up last night , it was steaming badly , and the temp gauge dint stop rising was practically in the oil gauge , it s been suggested fan sensor or wiring as well as an air leak , it's goin in to the garage again .

[C3BER]

Do your fans come on?
What is the level of water in your explanation tank.
Is it steaming from the cap.

[ridds]

Loose Cap
Failed Cap
Failed Header tank
Loose or split hose around the tank
Water getting onto exhaust manifold somewhere

Head gasket is pressurising the cooling circuit.


Those are your failure modes for that symptom. One is expensive.

[Mad Mark]

Check the plastic 'T' piece that is roughly behind the air box. They often crack. This could be leaking water onto the Exhaust. It is a common part to fail.

[C3BER]

Mad Mark said:

Check the plastic 'T' piece that is roughly behind the air box. They often crack. This could be leaking water onto the Exhaust. It is a common part to fail.

Had that one a few months ago.