Expansion tank

[parrot of doom]

I just checked the fluids in my car, things seem fine. The oil is clean and new.

The oil reading was higher than full, but my street has a big camber on it, and the car is leaning towards the dipstick by a good 5 degrees or so, so I reckon this measurement is to be expected?

I couldn't get the expansion tank cap off, although the engine was still a little warm (last driven 30 minutes ago). Should I wait until the car is completely cold? Does the cap unscrew anti-clockwise?

When driving around sometimes, the gearstick gets a bit warm, including the transmission tunnel. I think this only happens in town when I'm pootling around in 2nd/3rd. Is this normal behaviour? It cools back down when I get some speed up.

[ggt]

they all do that, you wait untill the summer, it gets very hot

[Big Al.]

parrot of doom said:

Does the cap unscrew anti-clockwise? YES Use a strap spanner to assist removal if need be. When driving around sometimes, the gearstick gets a bit warm, They all do that sir unless it glows in the dark don't worry.

[parrot of doom]

bwuahahha, I was in a woodyard getting some door trim today (for internal house doors), came back to the car and 3 chippies were stood around it, having a good look. One of them asked me if the gearstick 'lit up'.

I was offended! How dare somebody compare my beautiful car with Gary's laxpower Saxo!

[2 sheds]

To answer one of your questions it's advisable to wait until the water has cooled down before opening the cap.

[jeff miles]

Tip: I cast a tool out of filled epoxy (happened to have some left over from another job - plastic metal or similar will do) using the expansion tank filler cap as a mold. Enables you to get a decent grip on the thing particularly when cold.

jeff

[deeen]

parrot of doom said:

... does the gearstick light up?

The correct answer (drivers handbook, p.76) is "No, but the back tyres do!".

[FlipFlopGriff]

I wouldn't open the water system until it is cold unless you like getting scalded.
If you've got a serp you should top up the tank at the front end with the blue cap. The header tank with teh copper top is a blob to get off - I have to use a 2 foot long crowbar.
FFG