Hydrolock???
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm
Hydrolock???
A couple of days ago I replaced the thermostat and flushed the radiator in my newly bought '90 coupe (first Vette ever).
After refilling the radiator with antifreeze and distilled water, I ran the engine with the cap off to get rid of possible air in the system. The day after, when I tried to start it, it refused to turn over!
I removed the radiator cap and tried again. After 2 tries it turned, and started right up, and white smoke came out of the tailpipes.
I let it run at idle for a couple of minutes, turned it off, and started it again, no problem. I put the cap back on, checked the oil for any trace of water, it looked ok to me. I took it for a drive, and everything seemed normal, the temperature was at about 190 degrees, and the engine ran smoothly.
Are there any reasonable explanations to why this happened, or could it be a blown head gasket :confused:
Do I dare to continue driving, or should i take a closer look at it?
Any suggestions are welcome!
Btw, very nice forum you've got here :cheers:
After refilling the radiator with antifreeze and distilled water, I ran the engine with the cap off to get rid of possible air in the system. The day after, when I tried to start it, it refused to turn over!
I removed the radiator cap and tried again. After 2 tries it turned, and started right up, and white smoke came out of the tailpipes.
I let it run at idle for a couple of minutes, turned it off, and started it again, no problem. I put the cap back on, checked the oil for any trace of water, it looked ok to me. I took it for a drive, and everything seemed normal, the temperature was at about 190 degrees, and the engine ran smoothly.
Are there any reasonable explanations to why this happened, or could it be a blown head gasket :confused:
Do I dare to continue driving, or should i take a closer look at it?
Any suggestions are welcome!
Btw, very nice forum you've got here :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 1
From: Norcross GA
Re: Hydrolock??? (CoreVette)
Taking the radiator cap off and getting it to start is very strange. I'd guess you have more of an ignition switch, VATS, or starter solenoid problem.
The white smoke and 190'F operating temp's don't add up.
The white smoke and 190'F operating temp's don't add up.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Stockholm
Re: Hydrolock??? (ZylaRace)
I actually don't believe that taking the cap off was related to being able to start it, I just thought I'd mention it because that was what I did. I was out of ideas what to do.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will be driving it today and see if the problem is still there.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will be driving it today and see if the problem is still there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: Hydrolock??? (CoreVette)
Do you see the white smoke every time you start (after standing for a while)? If so, do a leak down test to see if you have a blown head gasket.
The no-start problem is probably unrelated. What sounds did the car make, i.e. starter click, no sound, etc.
The no-start problem is probably unrelated. What sounds did the car make, i.e. starter click, no sound, etc.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Hydrolock??? (CoreVette)
It sounds as though with the cap on and the system pressurized it is pushing water into the cylinder via a blown head gasket, cracked head or cracked block.
The white "smoke" is probably steam.
As was said, it looks like a leakdown test is in your future. Hope it turns out better than it sounds.
The white "smoke" is probably steam.
As was said, it looks like a leakdown test is in your future. Hope it turns out better than it sounds.
