Engine Heating up

[kunalraiker]

Hi,

I was driving the other day, and out of nowhere the engine heating up alarm started and the gauge moved up to H instantly, I filled up the reserve collant and then started the car again, but it was still heating up, I think that the radiator is not getting any colland drawn in, would that be right, should I try putting some water directly into the radiator when its cool, this would be done to test my theory also to drive it to the mechanic.

Any ideas guys please help me as I don't know much about cars and I need this fixed .

[accentstencil]

Could be air in the system and bleeding will fix that. It could also be a faulty thermostat, cheap enough to replace.

[kunalraiker]

Could be air in the system and bleeding will fix that. It could also be a faulty thermostat, cheap enough to replace.

Does that mean, if I put some water in the radiator, I could then drive it to my mechanic, as currently the engine is heating up to H after a few minutes of driving.

[Sheany]

Yes, put water in the radiator. The overflow won't be drawn back in unless theres no air in the system. So when cold, take the radiator cap off, and top it up and then go see a mechanic, if its already full, cap it up then see the mechanic anyway.

[kunalraiker]

Yes, put water in the radiator. The overflow won't be drawn back in unless theres no air in the system. So when cold, take the radiator cap off, and top it up and then go see a mechanic, if its already full, cap it up then see the mechanic anyway.

Thanks guys, will give that a go today, will get back to you with the outcome

[kunalraiker]

It started and I drove it witheout heating up, mind you I have only got water in there, will be taking it to the mechanic this weekend, looks like the coolant from the reserve collant tank is not getting pumped into the radiator, do you guys know what would be the likely cause, I don't want the mechanic ripping me off considering my knowledge about car engines is only limited to kws and 0-100

[kunalraiker]

Hi,

Someone willing to comment on my problem.

[accentstencil]

Hi,

Someone willing to comment on my problem.

It probably has air in the system. When engine is at operating temperature undo the bleeder screw in the thermostat housing (where the top radiator hose connects to the engine) air should escape and when coolant comes out do the screw back up. Repeat a few time. Be careful not to burn yourself.

[moose man]

It could be one of a handful of different problems causing the coolant not being sucked back into the radiator. When the coolant cools, it contracts/shrinks and sucks coolant back into the system - the opposite of what happens when it gets hot (expands past the radiator cap into the overflow bottle).
1. Your radiator cap has a return valve in it that could be stuck shut. This could be a cheap easy fix.
2. There could be an air leak some where in the overflow tube leading to the bottle. Just like having a hole in the bottom of your drinking straw, it only sucks air.
3. The overflow tube could be blocked with rust/scale/crap or pinched somewhere.

The system will usually suck fluid back in even if there is air in the system. Make sure you bleed it properly and use the right coolant. I've seen too many engines ruined when an air pocket was left in one spot of the cylinder head and the head cooks in one spot. Get a mechanic to bleed it properly if you are unsure.

Oh, and it should be bled cold or warm, never hot (for the above reason). Air bubbles can pass through the jiggle valve on the thermostat at any temperature, that's why it's there.