Fast Marina Magazine

After I replaced the core plug, I can't seem to get the water/coolant mix to fill the system and the car starts to head towards the red.

Should I drain the entire thing and start again?


Thansk in advance!

M

Hi,

Just a few basics,

If the engine gets very hot then the thermostat (its only a waxstat) is ruined and a new one is needed.

Has the radiator been back flushed and at least 33% antifreeze kept in the sytem.

Has the radiator got all its fins (they rot off at the bottom where its difficult to see them), I've usually had to have it recored every 7 years when in regular use.

Is the water pump OK (when at college I gave it to the AA to replace the water pump, they fitted a 1.3 pump to a 1.8, almost).

To fill the system I open the heater valve fully, pore in the antifreeze mix in through the radiator plug until it starts also fitting the expansion tank (lid off this). squeeze the hoses to expell air and finally put the plug back in the radiator.

With the expansion tank lid off I start the engine and keep topping up the expansion tank to the mark as it gets warm, when the thermostat opens the level usually drops and can be topped up again, then put the lid on the expansion tank (is it the correct pressure cap).

I usually go for a short drive and then find the level needs topping up again. When cold next morning top up a bit more, and it is usually OK after that.

An easy way to find if you have cooling trouble is the heater not getting hot. Initially with the thermostat shut on a cold morning the water is circulated around the engine and the heater to warm the engine and passengers. If it isn't warming your legs at the usual time then you are short of water, or your heaters duff.

Brian

The rad is new, and has all its fins. I'll replace the stat today anyway.

Thanks for the other stuff. I'm a bit mechanically dyslexic and I didnt realise the radiator had plugs !



I'll let you know how I get on and thanks for the advice, its much appreciated

Mick