Forum:
Hiya, I would be sincerely grateful is someone could give me some hints or tips.
Basically, my van overheated yesterday resulting in lots of steam and fluid pouring out the bottom. It still drives fine, only heats up over a journey though, and when I stop and switch my engine off loads of fluid comes out the bottom. Also when I top up my rad with water it slowly drips out.
Please could someone tell me what I need to purchase to fix this. My Dad said it would probably be a new rad that I needed, just got quoted £138 for one, so don't wanna jump into that too quickly! was wondering maybe water pump? or may I get away with rad weld to fix my rad?
Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Alasdair
Dying cooling system
It all depends on the age of your van, being a 1000cc 3 cyl then £138 will be a high price in proportion to the cost of the van. BUT balance that against a replacement engine/van then it is a small cost.
To be certain it is the radiator lift the seats and take a proper look with the engine cold. If the water level looks OK start the engine and go for a warming drive then take another look and see if the water pump is leaking if it is then as soon as you lift the seat with the engine running you will get a fine mist of water everywhere.
Stop the engine and take a close lok at the faces of the radiator you should be able to see where the leak is comming from. If the radiator is dry then most probably the problem lies with the water pump.
You could do a cold check on the cooling system if you have access to a pressure pump that will add water to the system and pressurise it, many garages have such items but they will be very guarded about lending same to you.
Given the age of the van I would say that a replacement rad will, once you get all the air out, be your best move. The old radiator will probably have several blocked cores and adding the bodger's favourite Rad-Weld may just make this situation worse and you could end up with looking for a replacement engine and a new radiator.
IIRC the Hi-jet engine and rad are not the easiest of items to clear of airlocks so be prepared for a lot of frustration in the workshop although making up an adaptor to enable bottom filling might be an option.
thanks for that advice man,
thanks for that advice man, when taking it for a warming drive should I fill the rad with water or just leave it empty cus when I fill it, it just slowly drips out of the bottom. yet that water tank under the passenger seat stays full.
Radiator leak
IF the water comes straight out of the raiator before you even start then it would appear that you are going to have to investigate properly. Not post more questions...
Plus if there is no water in the radiator what are you going to heat up when you drive off? So don't go any further until you have sorted the problem properly, or found someone local that can assist you properly
Preferrably with the van jacked up and securely grounded on FOUR axles stands. This will allow you to access everything a lot easier when it comes to stripping out the failed radiator and all the attached and possibly knackered plumbing.
NO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT GETTING UNDER A VEHCLE SITTING ON A JACK TOO MANY AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS HAVE DIED DOING SO.
There is a small possibility that it may be the bottom hose which has failed, if the van is getting on a bit in age I would change all the accessible hoses whilst the cooling system is getting its attention.
If any of the work you are about to embark on seems too difficult then get some professional help it costs but also comes with a warranty so if they make a wossname of the whole deal you can go back and complain.
Given that the early engines and cooling systems are an utter ar*e to purge of air I can see professional work will be well spent.
well I think I've fixed it
well I think I've fixed it now, wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, taken it for a little spin, all seems well.
cheers for the tips and stuff
Did you find out what the
Did you find out what the problem was exactly? Would be interesting to know for future reference.
My radiator was absolutely
My radiator was absolutely screwed! haha
so I just popped a new one in.
will get some pics up of the old one.... what a mess!