Steaming - eek!

[Fidgits]

So, topped up the oil today, noticed the coolant (or whatever - on the left hand side) was below the min mark, so topped that up with water.

Took her for a spin, all was well, until I stopped at home, and noticed steam coming out of the engine cover.

Opened the boot, and as far as i can tell it was coming from the coolant thing, and there was water all over the engine near it.

This has never happened before, so should i have filled it with something other than water?

I'm somewhat panacking as ive heard about the header tank not being covered under warranty, and a pricey fix... it seemed fine... but i'm looking for some reassurance!

[ballcock]

Does sound like the header's sprung a leak Fidg ... Or maybe the valve on the caps knackered , but either way , have someone look at it , I'd say.
Has your temp light come on (once it comes on , it'll remain flashing until you turn the engine off )

[Fidgits]

no, no light...

I think it might have the old cap, or I could've not tightened it properly! I'm not sure tbh..


oh, and its all your fault, i wouldnt have checked the coolant if you hadnt mentioned it!

[ballcock]

.. sorry , I did feel a tad responsible when I saw your post .. Still an all , I'm glad you checked it , seeing as it was below the min level.

How about you top up again ,and make sure the cap is tight this time , and hopefully that'll be the end of it.
Keep a bloody good eye on the coolant level and the temp sensor over the next while though..

[Fidgits]

Well, the level was a few mm over the min, so i made sure the cap was tight and went for a 'gentle' drive.

All was well.

Then I had some fun, and it was still fine.

So either I was a numpty and didnt secure the cap, or the crack is higher up... so ill fill it up tomorrow and try again :kneesknocking:

[Fidgits]

Okay, topped up this morning, took her for a good long enthusiastic run and all is fine, not some much as a sniff!

So it was either the spring in the cap (did have a fiddle) or more likely, numpty here didnt tighten it enough!