1.8 Petrol - Expansion bottle cap probs?

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Hi. Your problem sounds very similar, I think we have a problem with the coolant being unable to circulate properly around the system, whether that be due to a faulty thermostat, an airlock in the system, perhaps a blocked radiator, or broken water pump.
I'm basically trying to eliminate all possibilities in one go: So far I've drained the old blue coolant because I have to get to the thermostat. With the system drained I rigged a hose to the radiator to check for blockages, water passed through easy enough in both directions, but I did notice very slight sediment signs so I plan to do a proper clean of the system with coolant flush liquid. I have a thermostat blanking plate on the way, as soon as it arrives I'll fit it in place of the thermostat and run the coolant flush cycle. Then I'll fill the system with plain water to flush it clean. This should eliminate the chance of any blockages causing my symptoms. Next I'll fit a brand new thermostat, either in the regular housing or in a remote thermostat kit if I can get hold of one. Then I'll refill system with red OAT coolant, bleed thoroughly and hope this has sorted the problem.
Oh somewhere in there I'll test the water pump is ok by turning the engine over with the top rad hose removed, if water flies out the pump must be good. Might as well pick up an expansion bottle and cap from a scrappy, just to be sure.
I think that covers all bases! All I can suggest to you is a similar kind of programme, eliminating all possibilities systematically. Good luck buddy - I'll keep you posted with my efforts.
 
You can clean a cooling system with a citric acid solution. I use a st'd pack from the supermarket [50g] and mix make a 4 litre solution and fill the system with that. Run the engine until throughly warmed up. When cool again drain, flush x2.
 
Hi. Your problem sounds very similar, I think we have a problem with the coolant being unable to circulate properly around the system, whether that be due to a faulty thermostat, an airlock in the system, perhaps a blocked radiator, or broken water pump.
I'm basically trying to eliminate all possibilities in one go: So far I've drained the old blue coolant because I have to get to the thermostat. With the system drained I rigged a hose to the radiator to check for blockages, water passed through easy enough in both directions, but I did notice very slight sediment signs so I plan to do a proper clean of the system with coolant flush liquid. I have a thermostat blanking plate on the way, as soon as it arrives I'll fit it in place of the thermostat and run the coolant flush cycle. Then I'll fill the system with plain water to flush it clean. This should eliminate the chance of any blockages causing my symptoms. Next I'll fit a brand new thermostat, either in the regular housing or in a remote thermostat kit if I can get hold of one. Then I'll refill system with red OAT coolant, bleed thoroughly and hope this has sorted the problem.
Oh somewhere in there I'll test the water pump is ok by turning the engine over with the top rad hose removed, if water flies out the pump must be good. Might as well pick up an expansion bottle and cap from a scrappy, just to be sure.
I think that covers all bases! All I can suggest to you is a similar kind of programme, eliminating all possibilities systematically. Good luck buddy - I'll keep you posted with my efforts.
Mine has the remote stat fitted, was wondering if it could be causing problems, because I bought this FL with a blown headgasket but when I stripped it was more serious than that hence the engine change. It may well have been the cause of the original failure because it dumps water without the temp gauge rising. Anyway have ordered a sniff test kit to be on the safe side, have got another K series powered motor so I have no doubt it will get used more than once.
 
Quick update, the sniff test kit turned up yesterday tested a couple of times both negative, so have ordered a new thermostat. Word of warning, avoid those on eBay most say they are PEL500110 but if you look at the description they don't open till 92 degrees instead of 82.
 
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