Picked up new car today but.........

[5teve]

So my long wait was over and today was the day, I finally picked up my new toy. When I arrived the car was sitting in the lot looking beautiful, the day really had a huge sense of occasion and I suddenly felt 12 again!

It wasnt long before I was on my way home with a nice run down the M11. She drove wonderfully and I kept her at easy speeds and enjoyed all the attention.

After a 20 minute run on the motorway I came off near my home town and had a drive round some A Roads and a few high streets (wow, can the attention be anymore wild)!!!

However!!!

Then came the problem, I was sitting at traffic lighs and all of a sudden the car started overheating out the left side of the bonnet (from the radiator cap side). I pulled over quickly and switched off. I got the bonnet up and after a minute or so she settled down. I got on the phone to TVR who asked me to check the water level. The water level was fine, so they advised me that it may have been over filled and it was just getting rid of the excess. They told me to give it another try and get back to them if the problem returned. Surely enough, I got 2 minutes down the road and it was doing it again! : 0 (

Back on the phone and they advised the car comes back for a thorough examination. So a Recovery Truck came and away she went!

Any ideas whats wrong with her guys? I was so looking forward to today I cant believe it has ended this way!!!

>> Edited by 5teve on Wednesday 5th April 20:35

>> Edited by 5teve on Friday 7th April 21:06

[touchingcloth]

Shit sorry to hear it has been a bad start. What was the temp gauge reading out of interest, was it off over 100 or was it fairly normal? Could be an overfill but still not a great start from a dealer.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

..and could you hear the fans cutting in?

[5teve]

I didnt check the first time as I was in sheer panic mode but the 2nd time (about 5 mins after 1st) I did check and it was about 105-110. The fans had kicked in (I could here them I think) and it did start to drop but the temp kept bouncing around until the overheating came pouring out of the left side again!

: 0 (

>> Edited by 5teve on Wednesday 5th April 20:29

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

5teve said:

The fans had kicked in (

.that's a shame! The simplest problem would've been a failed otter switch . It still may yet turn out to be venting an overfill if you're lucky. Anyway, whatever it is the dealer will suss it.

[touchingcloth]

I am not mechanically minded but would have thought if it was just and overfill then system would have venting but would it actually be overheating? Yes it might spew some out but the fans and the water in there should have been able to still keep the engine within the normal range. Thermostat stuck a possible? Anyway am sure they will find out.

[GCerbera]

Air lock, needs bleeding is my guess.

[budaholic]

touchingcloth said:

Thermostat stuck a possible?

Not likely, AFAIK the Cerbera thermostat, (if it fails), fails in the open position. Very reliable source,

My guess would be air lock or overfilled system.

I know the expansion tank cap is designed to vent, but is it because of high pressure or temperature?

Bud

[Extra 300 Driver]

GCerbera said:

Air lock, needs bleeding is my guess.

I agree.

The needle bouncing is a classic sigh of air in the system. It can take upto 6 cycles of the system, through hot and cold to get all the air out.

Dont panic just yet, fill the water and keep an eye on it.

[ridds]

Also was the cap on properly? They are tricky to get on. That combined with as sudden stop after driving hardish and air in the system can cause the pressure to rise to the point where coolant will try to escape.

[5teve]

As ever, thanks for your informative replies chaps. The car is back with TVR, so will hopefully hear from them in the morning and find out whats happening (didnt want to take any chances).

The past couple of weeks ive been wondering what my first post will be about after actually owning my first TVR........

This isnt what I hoped to be writing!!!

However, all I know is the small time spent in the car was the most amazing driving experience of my life. The noise of the V8 pumping out of the sports pipes is like nothing else, totally addictive so just hope to be back in the seat soon!

Steve

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Keep yer chin up...it'll be worth it. Let us know what it was.

[purpleheadedcerb]

It really is a special experience. I agree with the diagnosis of the other guys. Air lock I would think. I've had mine vent some when I overfilled it but the needle didn't bounce around. The fans should keep the temperature below 105 in most conditions. Just a shame the pdi didn't pick up on this but I suppose Castle have had their hands full recently with the accident.

You wait until you give it some proper right foot, you will have to double the feeling you have at the moment. I love the fact that people turn around to see what's making all the noise and for the next 20 seconds they stare at you waiting for you to go past them!

Scott

[gazzab]

Am with Ridds on this one - sounds like the cap. They can be difficult to put on properly and will let steam out if not properly located.

[Extra 300 Driver]

h the car is with Castle, no need to worry, a great bunch up there.

[gbbird]

ridds said:

Also was the cap on properly? They are tricky to get on. That combined with as sudden stop after driving hardish and air in the system can cause the pressure to rise to the point where coolant will try to escape.

I was about to suggest that. Or perhaps a worn cap? Sometimes these things aren't as serious as they first appear.

Hope it gets sorted quickly and cheaply

[jesfirth]

Have you checked the expansion tank itself. Mine developed a weep under pressure on the underside resulting in steam etc. A new tank is approx £35

[5teve]

Got the call today, Castle have tested it all day and checked the car inside out but found no problem and couldnt re-create the issue.

They believe it was releasing excess coolant from the system as it may have been over-filled and the car was simply levelling itself out. Because I switched the car off immediately both times, the car never got a chance to release it all hence why it happened again a few minutes later! Still better safe than sorry!!!

So Good news, im picking her up tomorrow & cannot wait!

Will hopefully get myself down to Santa Pod this weekend to watch the action!!!

: 0 )

[Extra 300 Driver]

Phew, nice one.

to Castle for sorting, or checking it out

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

It still may yet turn out to be venting an overfill if you're lucky.