Radiator issues VTR

  1. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #1
    Evening all would like your help with a problem. Iv noticed my vtr is losing water, after inspection I noticed its leaking via the overflow hole on the expansion bottle and the rad itself is in good condition with the fan kicking in when it should. The cap was knackered so iv replaced it but it still leaks first assumption was the head gasket pressurising the system but it has none of the usual side effects, oil is clean, no smoke and no loss of power. It isnt happening all the time just once a week or so and only does it with the engine switched off after a run out. Any help is greatly appreciated.
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti
    #2
    You might have a airlock in the system, try bleeding it to make sure all is ok.
  3. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #3
    Thanks for the quick response, is it possible to bleed it without completely draining the system? Only asking because I havent got access to any tools/antifreeze until friday afternoon and gotta travel 25 miles each way for work and back :-/
  4. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti
    #4
    You need to put a headder tank (pop bottle) on the expansion bottle to do it so you can bleed the air out. You could do it with just water but its not ideal, if you did you'll need to flush the system and replace it with a coolant mix.

    http://www.saxperience.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98877
  5. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #5
    Thanks again, just partially bled it through with water hopefully will be ok until I can have a proper go at it friday and will be flushing it out for sure aswell as new antifreeze. :-) will let you know if this solves this after friday. Cheers :-)
  6. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #6
    Right iv bled my system and the problem remains, water stays roughly 3/4 full while engine is running and heaters work fine. Within 5 minutes of switching off the level rises and leaks loads, once cool the level is about an inch over the minimum mark. Also in case its related, when i removed the rad cap while it was hot there was no pressure in the system whatsoever :/
  7. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #7
    Get the cooling system pressure tested.
  8. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #8
    will local garages be able do this? just seems strange as theres no pressure when hot with the engine running but there is once its off :/
  9. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Gabber View Post
    will local garages be able do this? just seems strange as theres no pressure when hot with the engine running but there is once its off :/
    Yes they will & it won`t cost a fortune either mate.
  10. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #10
    Cheers stevo will get it done soon as I can, hopefully this will work its had me stumped for a while. Wil keep you posted :-)
  11. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #11
    Are you bleeding it using the header tank method? If not try that first
  12. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #12
    Yeah iv tryed the header tank way with a bottle doesnt really work too well. Managed get to work today without it leaking but just got back and im back to square one :-( of anyone who knows anyone in my local area (stoke on trent) whos has a proper header tabk I can borrow it would be greatly appreciated
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  13. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 9100 Amazon green VTR 16v, Inferno RS clio 182
    #13
    You don't need a proper header tank to be honest, a pop bottle is more than adequate. I'd say you've got another issue such as a stuck thermostat or water pump that's not up to scratch
  14. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti
    #14
    What mileage is your motor on? If the timing belts been done do you know if the water pump was doneat the same time?

    As Gandi says water pump could be shagged.
  15. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #15
    Iv tryed the pop bottle and hose but it just pisses out the overflow, and its just over 80k and looking through the history its had a timing belt on at 58k but no mention of a water pump :-/ if it comes to it os it much of a job do? as im alright with a toolkit so think il end up fitting everything this weekend, water pump, thermostat, radiator and new timing belt while im at it be on the safe side
  16. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #16
    Decided il try get it looked at in a garage tomorrow, managed get the afternoon off, hopefully wont cost an arm and a leg :-)
  17. L-plater Joined: Jul 2013 Staffordshire Posts: 56 2001 VTR 2008 Astra SRI CDTI 150
    #17
    Also found this link after scouting about I know its years old but he had the same problem as me and by looks of it there was nothing he could do :-( http://www.saxperience.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=399718