coolant overflow

blueoval · 11-03-2008, 02:03 AM

the other day it was 40 degrees here in SA. Dam hot to say the least.

I went to the AFD which is 15mins away from home. Had the car running on petrol. When I got home, found a pool of coolant on the ground which freaked me out.
Lifted up the bonnet to see where the source came from, and it came from the coolant overflow pipe on the fill up tank.

There is no indication of it overheating prior to the overflow, the temperature guage stays the same.

Now I know sometimes SOME cars can do this and could be deemed OK, but do I have any reason to be worried, or should I get this checked out immediately?

What would be the cause of the issue for this to happen?

radiator needs cleanout?
system needs flush?
Head issues? (heaven forbid)
thermostat?
water pump? :(

Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated.

au2sw · 11-03-2008, 07:57 AM

my wagon started doing this a while a go. when you turn the engine off after a drive, the coolant actualy becomes hotter.....no air flow or circulation in a hot system. the pressure builds in coolant due to the excess heat, any weak areas are exposed as they will let the pressure escape. your problem is the radiator cap. the flat rubber ring on the bottom of the cap is starting to protrude past the copper washer, thus preventing a poor seal, replace the cap and the leaking will stop. a quick cheap fix and no need to worry

whiskers · 11-03-2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au2sw

my wagon started doing this a while a go. when you turn the engine off after a drive, the coolant actualy becomes hotter.....no air flow or circulation in a hot system. the pressure builds in coolant due to the excess heat, any weak areas are exposed as they will let the pressure escape. your problem is the radiator cap. the flat rubber ring on the bottom of the cap is starting to protrude past the copper washer, thus preventing a poor seal, replace the cap and the leaking will stop. a quick cheap fix and no need to worry

What he said

InfernoSR · 11-03-2008, 09:34 AM

I agree, replace the cap for a start...

blueoval · 11-03-2008, 10:53 AM

awesome fellas. Hopefully this is the answer. I will pick up a new one today.

Are there any particular type caps I need to look out for? Like, are there ones that have different pressures etc?

InfernoSR · 11-03-2008, 11:16 AM

Double acting 16psi is what you need... sorry i cant give you a CPC Part No#... its been so many years since I used to do the parts :P

blueoval · 11-03-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEPRINT

Double acting 16psi is what you need... sorry i cant give you a CPC Part No#... its been so many years since I used to do the parts :P

haha. no problems BLUEPRINT. I reckon thats plenty of information. thanks again.

InfernoSR · 11-03-2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

haha. no problems BLUEPRINT. I reckon thats plenty of information. thanks again.

No problems... and you never know your luck, maybe you might be able to help me sooner or later :P

blueoval · 11-03-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEPRINT

No problems... and you never know your luck, maybe you might be able to help me sooner or later :P

Dunno about that mate. My knowledge is limited with this model. But if I can help out where I can I will.