Coolant system problem...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Coolant system problem...
More problems, go figure...
So the coolant is being pushed by the system into the over flow tank, causing there to be low coolant. It won't pull any back out of the over flow tank when it needs it, and it just continuously pushes it in there apparently. Any ideas? We're stumped as usual. I need things to check and/or just a solution in general.
So the coolant is being pushed by the system into the over flow tank, causing there to be low coolant. It won't pull any back out of the over flow tank when it needs it, and it just continuously pushes it in there apparently. Any ideas? We're stumped as usual. I need things to check and/or just a solution in general.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
That absolutely sounds like a pressure leak problem. As the water expands by being heated, it is forced into the reservoir. With little or no pressure the boiling point is lowered. If it's boiling (not necessarily overheating) more fluid will be sent to the reservoir. When the engine cools, the cooler coolant contracts, creating a vacuum in the cooling system which draws coolant back into the radiator from the reservoir. If there is a leak, the vacuum will just suck air rather than refilling the radiator.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 956
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite Nevada
Believe it or not, check the cap. I had an overheating problem about 2 years ago, which also included coolent being pushed into the overflow tank and the low coolent light coming on. After much fustration of trying to track it down my self, I had the system presure checked. Turned out to be a $3.00 cap -- replaced it and haven't had any problems since.
What I learned (was reminded) was the obvious, if the cap isn't sealing, preasure will not be maintained to keep the coolent 'moving' and cooling properly. Also, it will prevent the system from building up the 'suction' needed to draw the coolent back into the system from the overflow tank during cool down.
Just my .02 on something to check
What I learned (was reminded) was the obvious, if the cap isn't sealing, preasure will not be maintained to keep the coolent 'moving' and cooling properly. Also, it will prevent the system from building up the 'suction' needed to draw the coolent back into the system from the overflow tank during cool down.
Just my .02 on something to check
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Yea, we swapped out the cap originally, back when I posted a while back. That was our first step which seemed to remedy for a second, but then it ended up not being the issue...
Once again, the car is not in my presence, so what can I tell my Dad to check out on the car back in Austin? Would he be better off just taking it somewhere?
Thanks again guys, without this site I'd always be lost.
Once again, the car is not in my presence, so what can I tell my Dad to check out on the car back in Austin? Would he be better off just taking it somewhere?
Thanks again guys, without this site I'd always be lost.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 956
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite Nevada
I took mine to the local dealer (I know, but these guys were actually pretty good). Cost me $60 to have them do the presure check; took @ 20 mins to identify the problem. You might be able to find a radiator shop that will do it cheaper ~ good luck
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
So what all would I need to replace if I just wanted to replace the whole system? How much money am I looking at? I've already got a water pump and I've got two thermostats actually a 180 and a 160. How much of the system could I replace for $1,200?
Besides the vaccuum leak if/when we find out where it is... Is it worth it to get an aftermarket radiator as well? I see they run roughly $600. Would I honestly noticed an improvement in temperatures around town?
Besides the vaccuum leak if/when we find out where it is... Is it worth it to get an aftermarket radiator as well? I see they run roughly $600. Would I honestly noticed an improvement in temperatures around town?
Last edited by BowTieBlood; Feb 26, 2005 at 06:34 PM.
