Discussion
Going in to London last Friday night, M4/A4 was solid and it was warm out. Crawled in for about an hour and the temp guage was creeping up over 100. Put the heater on and it still kept creeping up. Pulled over at the BP and checked the coolant level which was OK, although VERY hot and bubbling out under the loosened cap. Checked that the fans were both cutting in. Tightened the cap up and carried on.
Back in the traffic, eventually got to Knightsbridge and then steam started appearing where the water cap is. Temp guage started flicking up to 105 and eventually, after a prolonged period of chomping on the steering wheel, I found somewhere to pull over. Waited for it to cool down while I had a beer and allowed my blood pressure to drop to below imminent-death levels. Checked the reservoir and it was dry.
Left the car where it was and the next morning, after I had the wheel clamp removed, topped it up again with about 2.5 litres of water and coolant. I keep checking the coolant level and, despite several nerve-wracking light to medium traffic jams and 101-102 sessions on the guage in the hot weather, it has stayed at the maximum fill level ever since.
Came back from South of France last week (before the London nightmare) and got stuck in Paris on the Peripherique in rush hour and the temp rose to 105, nowhere to pull over - had to keep going or be summarily lynched by the sweaty hordes. When I got away I checked the level and it needed about 1 litre so on return to Blighty I added some Rad Seal and that seemed to cure it, but now this. Whaddya reckon?
Let me ask you, does anyone else's temp guage soar to 100-plus in this hot weather when stuck in traffic for prolonged periods, or am I the odd one out?
Back in the traffic, eventually got to Knightsbridge and then steam started appearing where the water cap is. Temp guage started flicking up to 105 and eventually, after a prolonged period of chomping on the steering wheel, I found somewhere to pull over. Waited for it to cool down while I had a beer and allowed my blood pressure to drop to below imminent-death levels. Checked the reservoir and it was dry.
Left the car where it was and the next morning, after I had the wheel clamp removed, topped it up again with about 2.5 litres of water and coolant. I keep checking the coolant level and, despite several nerve-wracking light to medium traffic jams and 101-102 sessions on the guage in the hot weather, it has stayed at the maximum fill level ever since.
Came back from South of France last week (before the London nightmare) and got stuck in Paris on the Peripherique in rush hour and the temp rose to 105, nowhere to pull over - had to keep going or be summarily lynched by the sweaty hordes. When I got away I checked the level and it needed about 1 litre so on return to Blighty I added some Rad Seal and that seemed to cure it, but now this. Whaddya reckon?
Let me ask you, does anyone else's temp guage soar to 100-plus in this hot weather when stuck in traffic for prolonged periods, or am I the odd one out?
Yep, mine hits the heady heights of 100 plus. It did flicker quite a bit also when I was stuck in traffic.
I know mine reads about 12 degrees over though. And they are not supposed to be the most accurate.
Try going for a run and when you get back, sit on the drive and see what temp (gauge) each fan kicks on they are supposed to be switched on when the ECU sensor (different from gauge) reaches 92 and 95 IIRC.
Saying that, I've just changed a bunch of pipes and bled the system and it hasn't gone over 100 yet or flickered and when I was sat in the drive with the engine on the fans came on at the right temps as far as the gauge was concerned.
I haven't managed to get stuck in traffic yet but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it might be ok now.
Maybe I unblocked something when I emptied my 13 litres, or whatever it is, of coolant all over my garage floor.
Andy
I know mine reads about 12 degrees over though. And they are not supposed to be the most accurate.
Try going for a run and when you get back, sit on the drive and see what temp (gauge) each fan kicks on they are supposed to be switched on when the ECU sensor (different from gauge) reaches 92 and 95 IIRC.
Saying that, I've just changed a bunch of pipes and bled the system and it hasn't gone over 100 yet or flickered and when I was sat in the drive with the engine on the fans came on at the right temps as far as the gauge was concerned.
I haven't managed to get stuck in traffic yet but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it might be ok now.
Maybe I unblocked something when I emptied my 13 litres, or whatever it is, of coolant all over my garage floor.
Andy
This was the the biggest problem I had with my cerb. It never overheated but always gave me a scare. The 'flicking' gauge is most likely to be an airlock in the cooling system.
Changing all the pipework is a good idea as it can get very rusty. I think if all is well then the standard cooling system should be fine but if I ever get another cerb I am going for a proper 3 core alloy radiator.
Rob.
Changing all the pipework is a good idea as it can get very rusty. I think if all is well then the standard cooling system should be fine but if I ever get another cerb I am going for a proper 3 core alloy radiator.
Rob.
My temp always exceeds 100 when stuck in traffic, even for the shortest of times and in any weather. I check my coolant every week, and on average it does tend to need topping up with perhaps half a litre most times, and certainly when the car has had a few 'good' work outs.
I must admit that i am terrified of ever getting stuck in a major none-moving traffic jam, as i just do not know what it would do. However, i have in the past had to drive stop/start for well over an hour with the temp around or above 100 and it was fine, the fans kicking in when they should and everything.
I must admit that i am terrified of ever getting stuck in a major none-moving traffic jam, as i just do not know what it would do. However, i have in the past had to drive stop/start for well over an hour with the temp around or above 100 and it was fine, the fans kicking in when they should and everything.
I've been stuck in traffic for hours wih no problems, even though my temperature gauge used to flick around a bit, regularly going about 100 and coming down once the fans kick in.
I've never had to top up the coolant yet, but I do have a very small leak in the top corner of the radiator (and my temperature gauge doesn't work at all at this present moment!)
I've never had to top up the coolant yet, but I do have a very small leak in the top corner of the radiator (and my temperature gauge doesn't work at all at this present moment!)
Meant to say that I've never really lost a noticable amount of coolant, just the occasional top up every few months.
And.... changing the coolant pipes is not a job for the fainthearted (i was warned but by fault of being a stubborn git and having the stuff already ordered) i carried on regardless.
Took me a couple of days of cutting off rusty hose clips and cut hands trying to prise out/in various pipes. You need the hands of a small child and the flexibility of a russian gymnast for some of them.
I think the system is finally bled after about six cycles of hot and cold. My next trip home I'll give her a good seeing to and see how the temp holds up. It also looks like my gauge might be reading more correct for the first time since I bought the car.
Andy
And.... changing the coolant pipes is not a job for the fainthearted (i was warned but by fault of being a stubborn git and having the stuff already ordered) i carried on regardless.
Took me a couple of days of cutting off rusty hose clips and cut hands trying to prise out/in various pipes. You need the hands of a small child and the flexibility of a russian gymnast for some of them.
I think the system is finally bled after about six cycles of hot and cold. My next trip home I'll give her a good seeing to and see how the temp holds up. It also looks like my gauge might be reading more correct for the first time since I bought the car.
Andy
My current Cerbera tops out at about 105 on the gauge.
Second fan cuts in around 100 - 102 and once at 105 it drops quickly to about 90-95.
First time it did it on a hot day in traffic I was panicking as my first Cerbera had
never been above 90 and normally sat around 85 when hot.
While at Le Mans, my outside air temp gauge recorded 40c and I saw no change
to the 105 top out. Used about 1 pint of water over the 1200 miles.
Very happy.
Second fan cuts in around 100 - 102 and once at 105 it drops quickly to about 90-95.
First time it did it on a hot day in traffic I was panicking as my first Cerbera had
never been above 90 and normally sat around 85 when hot.
While at Le Mans, my outside air temp gauge recorded 40c and I saw no change
to the 105 top out. Used about 1 pint of water over the 1200 miles.
Very happy.
andy4200 said:
Maybe I unblocked something when I emptied my 13 litres, or whatever it is, of coolant all over my garage floor.
Thanks alot everyone, you have calmed my panic somewhat!
13 litres!? When I had to top up by 2.5 litres I figured I had run the whole system dry, but I guess not if it holds that much. If the plastic reservoir is empty, though, does that mean the rest of the coolant is not circulating?
My theory, after reading your posts, is that I didn't tighten the cap enough and it started bubbling over in the heat, hence the drop in level.
Anyway, thanks again, and here's to an open road in cool weather!!
Steamer update - well, its definitely had it, the coolant keeps going down and it over heats in any kind of traffic. Its on its way to Topcats on Monday because the clutch system is also knackered (the pedal is as slack as a witch's t*t), so we'll see. Spect it'll be new radiator or some such!
Tatlow said:
Steamer update - well, its definitely had it, the coolant keeps going down and it over heats in any kind of traffic. Its on its way to Topcats on Monday because the clutch system is also knackered (the pedal is as slack as a witch's t*t), so we'll see. Spect it'll be new radiator or some such!
Me again Jes! Let me know the outcome of the coolant issue, as mine regularly needs topping up with a litre or too, and as my previos posts indicates, the temp reading regularly exceeds 100 when in traffic (or even the sight of traffic for that matter). I am sure topcats will do a fine job
gbbird said:
Steamer update - well, its definitely had it, the coolant keeps going down and it over heats in any kind of traffic. Its on its way to Topcats on Monday because the clutch system is also knackered (the pedal is as slack as a witch's t*t), so we'll see. Spect it'll be new radiator or some such!
Me again Jes! Let me know the outcome of the coolant issue, as mine regularly needs topping up with a litre or too, and as my previos posts indicates, the temp reading regularly exceeds 100 when in traffic (or even the sight of traffic for that matter). I am sure topcats will do a fine job
GET IT FIXED !!!! An overheated engine will cost you up to 6K to fix!! An excahange rad just a few hundred all in!!
gazzab said:
GET IT FIXED !!!! An overheated engine will cost you up to 6K to fix!! An excahange rad just a few hundred all in!!
Agreed, you should never lose any coolant as it's a closed system. Needing to top it up means there is something wrong somewhere, until you know where the problem lies then better safe than sorry...
gbbird said:
Steamer update - well, its definitely had it, the coolant keeps going down and it over heats in any kind of traffic. Its on its way to Topcats on Monday because the clutch system is also knackered (the pedal is as slack as a witch's t*t), so we'll see. Spect it'll be new radiator or some such!
Me again Jes! Let me know the outcome of the coolant issue, as mine regularly needs topping up with a litre or too, and as my previos posts indicates, the temp reading regularly exceeds 100 when in traffic (or even the sight of traffic for that matter). I am sure topcats will do a fine job
Hello, mate - sounds like we've got a similar problem there, and it sounds like it needs sorting out sooner rather than later. I'll let you know what the diagnosis is when Warren gives me the good news.
I was interested to read the earlier comments about opening the expansion tank cap when the coolant is hot - apparently it can let air rush in and make the problem worse. I'm hoping for a jolly old 'bleed n flush' number but knowing Cerberas that's just too darn simple (and too darn cheap!)....
Greg, turns out mine needs a new radiator - there was a hole in it and the bottles of RadWeld that I poured in hadn't plugged it.
A mate of mine, said "don't use that expensive crap - just crack an egg in it". I wonder if that would work.....
Anyway, Warren's getting a reconditioned one in there so I should be rebeasted-up by Monday.
A mate of mine, said "don't use that expensive crap - just crack an egg in it". I wonder if that would work.....
Anyway, Warren's getting a reconditioned one in there so I should be rebeasted-up by Monday.
I've seen some jap high-spec radiators that apparently can be plugged in and perform over 400% better... I say apparently because theory is, just a few twists and cuts and its in, but dont know any cerbera with one in...
maybe joo can look into a radiator alternative upgrade option to add to his list of upgrades...
maybe joo can look into a radiator alternative upgrade option to add to his list of upgrades...
Tatlow said:
Greg, turns out mine needs a new radiator - there was a hole in it and the bottles of RadWeld that I poured in hadn't plugged it.
A mate of mine, said "don't use that expensive crap - just crack an egg in it". I wonder if that would work.....
Anyway, Warren's getting a reconditioned one in there so I should be rebeasted-up by Monday.
Cheers Jes,
let me know if it makes a big difference to the old volcanic temperature reading. Guess i may ring topcats and see what they suggest.
ehhh. i said i would reply but i've been away...
anyways, mine has new pipework, been bled, new radiator about 7000 miles ago and still has little temperature spikes on the gauge when stuck in traffic, it doesn't go over 105 though which i know is about 95 real world numbers.
it hasn't lost any fluid over the last 800 miles though so i'm thinking that there is absolutely no problem with mine!!!
stand to be corrected though but i've done everything i can and apart from getting a new gauge don't see what else i can do.
anyways, mine has new pipework, been bled, new radiator about 7000 miles ago and still has little temperature spikes on the gauge when stuck in traffic, it doesn't go over 105 though which i know is about 95 real world numbers.
it hasn't lost any fluid over the last 800 miles though so i'm thinking that there is absolutely no problem with mine!!!
stand to be corrected though but i've done everything i can and apart from getting a new gauge don't see what else i can do.
gbbird said:
Greg, turns out mine needs a new radiator - there was a hole in it and the bottles of RadWeld that I poured in hadn't plugged it.
A mate of mine, said "don't use that expensive crap - just crack an egg in it". I wonder if that would work.....
Anyway, Warren's getting a reconditioned one in there so I should be rebeasted-up by Monday.
Cheers Jes,
let me know if it makes a big difference to the old volcanic temperature reading. Guess i may ring topcats and see what they suggest.
Got the car back today with the new (re-rcored) radiator and have been driving about all over the place, including lots of about-town driving. The temp guage has stayed well below 100 the whole time, whereas before it would have been soaring over a 100.
Apparently, although the small hole in the radiator was letting the collant drip out, the main problem was that the metal fins were mashed in from zillions of stone chips and the little gaps were plugged with shite so the fans couldn't suck the air through properly.
I can now relax in the traffic jams again! Another class job from Topcats.
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