Header tank - had a small steamfest today!!

[iandbeech]

Strange this, had been driving the car for half hour, then while driving through town (temp just under 90) had a couple of seconds of steam, then no more. Stopped the car and checked to see what the problem was and could see dribbles of coolant by the cap so some (probably a thimble full) had escaped and hit the manifold.

Drove on a bit more and found somewhere to park and deliberately left her running to see if it happened again. Nothing - temp crept up and went passed 90 until the fans kicked in as usual. Did this several times and nothing. So could the header tank cap be at fault? Will check coolant level once cool

[FourWheelDrift]

It is cold out today, perhaps it sneezed

[iandbeech]

FourWheelDrift said:

It is cold out today, perhaps it sneezed

We had "TVR" size tissues as well Thanks for the help FWD!!!

[chimburt]

topped up the coolant recently?

probably just the expansion cap doing what it's supposed to - sounds like everything else checked out fine, so keep an eye on it but don't sweat it.

[iandbeech]

chimburt said:

topped up the coolant recently? probably just the expansion cap doing what it's supposed to - sounds like everything else checked out fine, so keep an eye on it but don't sweat it.

Checked coolant level this morning and all looks fine - and no leaks on the floor etc. We did have a new radiator a couple of months back but the car has been hotter than yesterday loads of times!! Imagine one "choof" of a steam train (if you`re old enough ), that was it really and then fine (plus hotter with fans coming on) for the 20 mile trip back. Perhaps as FWD said, she sneezed!

As you say, looks like the expansion cap was doing exactly what it should

[chimburt]

what do you mean, if i'm old enough?
still run steam trains down 'ere beuy!

( well, one actully, in the summer - yes really! )

[IPAddis]

I had the same thing on a motorway once. Temperature was normal and then suddenly, there was a low level cloud behind me. Worked fine all the way home but replaced the cap just to be sure.

Since then, I've been filling the expansion tank up to half way MAX and not two inches from the top as stated in the handbook.

Ian A.

[Jem]

two inches from the top...D'oh

no wonder mine's always only half full. MY expansion cap must be well exercised.

must RTFM, must RTFM, must RTFM.

J