Is Overheating linked to the heater not working??

[jaz chimaera]

Hi All,

Ive never had heating issues before ..always constant at 90c..only on a few hot days (which we have very few of..esp this year!)

However recently ive noticed that the temp gauge is flying off the handle to approx 110c and a tad higher (I know this may sound stupid but what are the immediate consequences of this?). I blasted the heater to try in vein to cool it down..but the heater didnt work..just cold air?? Is there a link?? ..if so is there an easy remedy?? ( I know its never an easy remedy with TVR's ..but im clutching at straws..)

Thanks
J

[thegamekeeper]

usually means water level low----requires IMMEDIATE ATTENTION-----DO NOT DRIVE CAR------!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Steve_T]

Sounds like you have an air lock in the system, if the gauge is to be believed, as you couldn't go over 100 without the system pressurised. Like the man says, get it sorted ASAP and don't risk your engine until it is.

Cheers,

Steve.

[ATG]

Coolant isn't circulating ... could be the pump, could be an air lock, could be there isn't any coolant. 110 is dangerously hot ... switch off engine time. Would look for oil in water / water in oil ...

[tvrbob]

Agree with everything said here. You need to prime the system. This is best done through the swirl tank and not the expansion tank. The high point is likely to be the top hose feeding the swirl tank. You'll need to top up the swirl tank and then seal it and squeeze the top hose. This will force air into the swirl tank. Refill and repeat until no more air is found. Run the engine until hot then stop, cool down and re-check that the system is primed.

[monkeypilot]

Sorry to hear of your woes but I'm right with the gamekeeper - don't drive it. You've got classic signs of a blown head gasket or a leaky coolant system or both. In either case what happens is your remaining water gets very hot and then runs out - hence no heat from the heater. Check your water level (you should do this regularly anyway). Check your oil filler cap - if there's creamy gunk in it, your head gasket's gone. If not you may just have a coolant leak. Refil your coolant at the swirl tank. Turn your heater on to full hot first so you don't get an airlock. Fill the swirl tank to the top and then open the bleed screw on the top of the radiator leave it open until no more air comes out, then tighten it up (pinch up - don't overtighten).Refil the swirl tank to the top and then half fill the overflow tank. Then run your engine and look for coolant leaks.
VERY IMPORTANT - If in any doubt - let a professional look at it. Running an overheating engine will cause it to seize (££££££) As your engine has already run VERY hot it's worth getting it checked over even if you just have a simple leaky pipe.

[jaz chimaera]

Thanks for the advice guys...it was really helpful..

.. the Swirl tank was completely empty..I topped it up and carried out the squeezing technique on the top hose for approx 30 mins!! (done wonders for my back.. the engine was not the only thing that nearly seized up!)

Left the cap off the expansion tank (after half full)..then started her up..left it to gurgle for 15 mins (all sorts of sounds and air came out)..now temp gauge runs at 80c..perfick!

I will be keeping an eye on it though..quick Question..it just came out of an expensive service..should they have picked up on this????

Also MIL light has come back on..AGH!!..one prob after another..but the beauty is WORTH it..esp in this sun..off to Brighton now regardless...

[GreenV8S]

If you have had air in the system then bleed the radiator too, using the plug in the top corner.

[thegamekeeper]

Happy days but you need to ask yourself where did it go? Remember that winter is on the way so be sure you have anti freeze, not just water in there. Now that could prove expensive!