Radiator Trouble

[philcerbera]

A novice with a problem - 4.5 1998.

I had a problem with overheating a couple of months ago - both fans working well - but when I put my hand behind the second fan there was no heat in the air being extracted. I took the excellent advice on here and bled the radiator (bolt on near side front of radiator with filler cap off) and removed loads of air and topped up the system. All was fine until the same thing happened again recently i.e. overheating and cold air being extracted by the second fan. So bled the radiator again (where is this air coming from?) but still overheating and cold air being extracted by the second fan. Before I commit to a new radiator is there anything else I should be checking for?

Cheers

Phil

[Extra 300 Driver]

Well you have a leak somewhere. Is there any water on the floor? Could you get the system pressure tested?

No need to get a new rad, if it comes to it, just get the old one recored. Will cost about £80.

[philcerbera]

There is no leak - no water on the floor and the water level in the reserve tank is maintained. But I'm still getting air in. Does this make any sense?

[longbow]

A leaking headgasket will pressurise the system with air - a tiny hole will take some time to have an effect, but it will be cumulative, and then when the water pump stalls due to air pockets, you'll get a rapid spike in coolant temp. Due to the way the AJP8 head and block mate together, any leak will have this effect. Of course I hope it isn't a leaking head gasket, as thats engine out time.........

[philcerbera]

Looks like I better ship it off to the experts. If it's a leaky headgasket will I see water in the oil?

[Extra 300 Driver]

philcerbera said:

Looks like I better ship it off to the experts. If it's a leaky headgasket will I see water in the oil?

Not always, pressure test will show anything up.