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11-12-10, 03:14 PM | #1 |
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Car cooling system.
Please be gentle but I am a bit thick when it comes to mechanical things.
Driving my car today the other night and did about 10 miles, noticed the engine never got up to the normal running temperature. Sat at about a third of the way up the dial rather than bang in the middle as usual. It was -4 outside so didn't think too much of it. Got in the car today and a big "Check Coolant" warning appeard on the display so I checked the coolant and the header tank was pretty much empty. Now this is where I am confused, if there isn't enough coolant in the engine wouldn't it overheat rather than run cooler?? If it makes any difference the car is a VW Bora V5 petrol. Cheers.
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11-12-10, 03:18 PM | #2 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
Depends where the temperature sensor is
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11-12-10, 03:38 PM | #3 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
Check coolant mixture is at the correct mix by topping up header tank to the proper level and running the engine before you check it after it has cooled.If during this operation the level has dropped again you have a water leak someplace so start by checking all the hose connections and condition of the hoses,then all externals such as thermostat housing and radiator looking for water traces or damp patches
The electric fan would kick in more if the coolant is low to keep the temperature down Last edited by Dicky Ticker; 11-12-10 at 03:40 PM. |
11-12-10, 04:08 PM | #4 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
Thermostat?
IIRC, the thermostat stays closed until the engine is up to temp, then opens to allow flow from the radiator. If it fails, it could stay open and not allow the coolant to heat up. Then again, I know nothing about cars... Pete |
11-12-10, 04:20 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Car cooling system.
Quote:
be thankful you haven't got and Audi A8 as the thermostat is buried deep within the engine and Labour charges are HUGE !
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11-12-10, 04:34 PM | #6 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
Hmmmm, sounds like the same thing that happened to my Alfa.
I will take it to the garage and ask them to check it out. Cheers
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11-12-10, 04:39 PM | #7 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
Does sound indicative of a stuck open thermostat.
And the lack of fluid might be the result of a small leak or an escape hole for steam...possibly the tank header cap has lost it's air seal. Had to replace the thermosat on my Alfa when I got it too, easy job as long as it's accessible.
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11-12-10, 05:09 PM | #8 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
I only work 1.5 miles from home and while I often walk, in this weather I have been taking the car. Do you think the fact I am using it for short journeys and not letting it warm up properly would cause problems?
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11-12-10, 05:34 PM | #9 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
The oil and the exhaust system suffer from condensation and the battery doesn't get charged, but the coolant is usually fine with short runs.
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11-12-10, 07:50 PM | #10 |
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Re: Car cooling system.
It'll never heat up in that distance IMHO
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