Steam coming from coolant overflow?
#1
In the shade
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Steam coming from coolant overflow?
I've tried a new OEM thermostat, i've tried new radiator caps, I've tried flushing the system, I even tried adding that alumaseal ****. The car runs fine until it gets to operating temperature, then it starts making bubbles in the coolant overflow tank. Today I noticed steam coming from the coolant overflow only after getting to operating temperature. After about 15 minutes of driving I'll get the low coolant light because the coolant slowly goes into the overflow tank. I've read so many articles on the coolant seal problems, but it doesn't bubble when cold for the champagne test. If someone has a link to properly diagnose the thermoclutch on the fan could they please post it, since that is about the only left to look at. And do you think I should resign and start rebuilding or continue diagnosing it. Is there any way that it could be the water pump? I don't think it is, but is it even possible for it to not pump enough and then the car gets hot and makes bubbles and steam? Because if that's not possible for it to be something else then I am going to start ripping everything out. I really love driving the car, but I really hate that it doesn't run right. The worst part is I never even got to properly drive it after my test driving it. When I bought it, that day it started giving me this. The day before that it ran 150 miles non stop with no problem I know this isn't my first thread about this, but I still need help...
#2
It means 12A all ways^
iTrader: (20)
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Northern IN
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It sounds like a coolant seal to me... But is the engine getting really hot? Overheating? Does anything change if you just drive it versus let it sit and idle?
Or is it staying at normal temps?
Or is it staying at normal temps?
#4
Informed Appreciation
iTrader: (1)
It sounds to me as if the cooling system is clogged somehow. You need to find out if coolant is being pumped through your radiator and how hot the radiator is compared to the engine. For this purpose I recommend buying a infrared thermometer like this one: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482327000P
I doubt your coolant seals have failed, 99% of the time it's very obvious when they go. The symptoms you describe could easily be several other problems.
I doubt your coolant seals have failed, 99% of the time it's very obvious when they go. The symptoms you describe could easily be several other problems.
#5
sideways!!
iTrader: (9)
If your engine is not overheating but its bubbling over into the overflow tank then its either a bad radiator cap (or the surface in the radiator where the rad cap seal seals against) or a bad coolant seal. For some reason so many people are in denial when they experience this. If your rad cap seals like it should, thermostat works, radiator flows, proper fan air flow and coolant is full then YES a bad coolant seal.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ray green
1st Gen General Discussion
2
09-02-15 06:35 AM
antifreeze, bubbling, coming, coolant, driving, overfill, overflow, overflowing, overheating, radiator, reserve, steam, steaming, tank, vr6