Cooling issue - See pic

Yoshi · Postby **Yoshi** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 4:25 pm

Hi All,

I've been having some overheating issues with my car for about a week now. I did basic troubleshooting myself and not being able to solve the issue I took the car to a "mechanic". This "mechanic" was very keen on selling me as he puts it an awesome new radiator but unfortunally not so keen on fixing my actual overheating issue :evil:

I have no doubt in my mind my new radiator is quite capable of doing what it is supposed to do as it looks well built and sturdy but still I have my over heating issue so that did not seem to be the cause.

To make matters worse I know I have a cooling fan issue which I am sourcing a fuse for however the car still overeheats quite quickly whilr dríven (not stationary, air forced into radiator so fan is not needed. I assume I have that correct using a little basic concept)

Before taking it to another mechanic who I hope will this time actually know more than myself I thought I would have one more poke around to see what I could find. Whilst running the engine I noticed what seems to be a coolant leak from the right side of the engine looking at it from the front, which gets worse as the car runs longer. I think this area may be the issue, please see pic and let me know if you know what the part is and why and how it may have failed.

Sorry I am not very mechanically minded so please be gentle. Thank you!

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:22 pm

The hose looks like it is well and truly ready for replacement. If you want to do it yourself it is not difficult but you may not want to do that.You can probably buy the hose at Bursons. I would advise against driving it too far- overheating can do a lot of damage. A radiator repairer will do it quickly and can check the system- though you said you have a new radiator. Hoses when they start to deteriorate get soft spots in the walls and you can generally tell by feel. For diy jobs you really need a manual and do a bit of reading. Replacing the hose - when the engine is cold- remove the clamps pull or cut the hose off- replace hose and refill the radiator. Refilling - you can get air into the system so squeezing the hose helps when refilling and it will need be topped up. Be very wary of topping up when the engine is hot.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:33 pm

yes a leak of some sort. the water pump is down their also, that has a seal. really hard to tell from the pic where the leak is. you'll only know where from if you stick you head under there while the engine is running at operating temp.

Uncle Arthur · Postby **Uncle Arthur** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:45 pm

Multiple cooling problems - take it to a cooling specialist.

Get the system flushed, pressure tested, and hoses replaced where they are found to be on the way out, and/or leaking.

They may even find that you have a leaky water pump seal. It's not a big job to do, and for piece of mind you may also get the timing belt done.

Pressure test will determine where/why it is leaking.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 5:56 pm

Exactly what Uncle Arthur said. Take it to a good local radiator specialist. The whole system needs a good service. This will involve a full clean and test of the radiator, the pump and all the hoses, seals, etc. Your existing radiator can usually be repaired for much less than the cost of a replacement.

Tell us where you live and someone here may be able to recommend somewhere nearby.

Yoshi · Postby **Yoshi** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 7:15 pm

Thank you all for the replies.

Manga_blue: I am in western sydney around st marys way. The car can be dríven for around 5-10 minutes then after that it starts to overheat so any further will require a tow. If anyone can recommend someone around my area it would be much appreciated.

Uncle Arthur · Postby **Uncle Arthur** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 10:03 pm

Yoshi wrote:Thank you all for the replies.

Manga_blue: I am in western sydney around st marys way. The car can be dríven for around 5-10 minutes then after that it starts to overheat so any further will require a tow. If anyone can recommend someone around my area it would be much appreciated.

www.yellowpages.com.au

Just look for one of the more reputable (known) name chains, with some degree of service backing. Of course, you could also call them and get a feel for their style/approach. I can usually tell who's more likely to take care of my car by the way they approach me as a customer.....

Regie · Postby **Regie** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 10:10 pm

What uncle Arthur said....take to specialist and get pressure tested..

Another thing not mentioned....how many Kms on the car?.

Could be thermostat stuck closed as it starts to over heat after 5 mins...pretty much when the car is up to operating temp

Hope that helps mate

jules · Postby **jules** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 9:59 am

That pipe you have circled is a pull out unit with a small rubber o ring. Might even be failure of the ring.

Jules

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:17 pm

virtually every suburb has radiator/ cooling system workshops- business's like Bursons if local can probably recommend another local business.

Pamex · Postby **Pamex** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:23 pm

Can't see if it's leaking from the water inlet pipe there (the metal one), but it looks right under it. Feel around at the end of the thick metal part there and see if you can spot any fluid. If so, the o-ring in there has gone, or hasn't been seated properly.

Yoshi · Postby **Yoshi** » Mon Mar 05, 2012 3:44 pm

Thanks all,

Took it to a place around the corner, my dad has used him before and he seems quite good. He told me there is an issue with the water pump and thermostat. He also gave me the option to replace the timing belt as he had to take it off to get to these parts. Seeing as I have not had this done since about 70k km ill get it changed.

Thanks again for the support!

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Wed Mar 07, 2012 12:33 pm

Yoshi wrote:Took it to a place around the corner, my dad has used him before and he seems quite good. He told me there is an issue with the water pump and thermostat. He also gave me the option to replace the timing belt as he had to take it off to get to these parts. Seeing as I have not had this done since about 70k km ill get it changed.

It's good that he reminded you about the the timing belt if doing water pump, or vice versa for others - would it be worth getting a second opinion do you think?