hi

 

i was driving back from work in my car, its only about 8 miles to my house. anyway, just as i pulled up towards my front door i noticed steam coming from under the bonnet and my temp gauge was off the clock. i went inside and had dinner. about 45 minutes latter i checked the water, which was low. and so i decided to top it up. after some hissing and bubbling i stopped. i had only put in about 3litres of water and it still wasnt full!!!!!!. Anyway, after this i thought id start the car and park it properly at this point something strange happened....... the car had major problem reving, almost like if the battrey was going to die, it seemed like if it was choking but no real noises. i reved it a little and still seemed funny, it was idling around 500 revs. after about 20sec of reving it seeemed fine. i am afraid to drive just in case i have any major problmes. any idea what is happeninig. is it serious or just a passing phase because i put some water in

You have to find out where the 3l of h2o went. Then you have to see if you've damaged anything - like a cylinder head gasket. Check your oil dipstick for whitish cream. Your exhaust for excessive steam etc. If alls ok and its just a hose leak or similar then you've been lucky.

Originally posted by rc951

hi

 

and so i decided to top it up. after some hissing and bubbling i stopped.

 

Adding cold water to an engine anything more than luke warm is the biggest no no i can think of. Just keep you fingers crossed your engine is OK.

Think of it this way;

People tend to get warped brake discs because they're hot, people park the car and the area between the calipers cools slower than the rest. This mean the rest of the disc shrinks and causes the disc to buckle.

I hope your engine hasn't twisted and buckled etc from some areas cooling very quick due to cold water.

 

I'd do a compression test if i were you, it will tell you if the headgasket is ok (overheating will kill it, or it could be the cause of the problem in the first place) and the condition of piston rings etc.

Hopefully all is well as xbiker did this recently and seems to be ok!

Sure you haven't bust your fan belt like me?

 

Check for lots of strands around the engine bay. and round the neck of the fan belt.

 

Would also be helpful if you knew how long your car was running at the very high temperature.

 

Have any other lights come on, on the dashboard?

Rc, as your only down the road youre more than welcome to bring it over at the weekend, two heads might be better than one. Ive had a bit of experience with leaks so i might be able to help.

ok

 

drove the car to and from work today, no problems. temp gauge stayed in middle. before i left this morning i checked the water and tried to put some more in but i didnt have to has it seemed full. i am driving to london this weekend. should i worry about anything. it seems ok at the mo.

cheque your electric fan is cutting in not the clutch driven one. leave it on idle on driveway

Lack

 

I dont think that works unless its really hot outside and you've got the aircon running as well. The engine driven fan will normally be enough to keep the temperature under control when idling.

 

At least on UK cars - apparently with 17% ish bigger cooling than imports.

 

Could have been something as simple as a rad cap not seating properly and with no pressurising possible he boiled up!