Hi all.
My wife's car is a 1.4 VVTI (Year 2000). It is now 11 years old and so I thought it prudent to change the coolant.
I followed the Haynes manual and drained using the radiator plug and also using the tap at the rear of the engine block. The old coolant looked clear and so I have no reason to believe that corrosion has occured.
I refilled the engine (without flushing) by pouring the antifreeze and water into the radiator and all seemed well. The manual says that it should take 6 litres however I suspect it took more like 5 litres (including the reservoir).
I pinched the hoses during the filling process to expel air. The problem is that the bottom hose (outlet) is stone cold while the upper hose (inlet gets hot). I have read that this is a common problem although there appears to be many causes. The water is circulating around the heater matrix, and the temp gauge is indicating normal. This was after a 7 mile run in warm weather.
I appreciate that the bottom hose should be cooler than the upper hose but not stone cold surely? I drained the coolant out again and refilled and I now have an air lock in the heater matrix and still the bottom hose is cold.
I plan now to do the following when it stops raining:
1) Put some ramps under the front wheels and remove the under cover to gain access to the bottom radiator hose.
2) Remove the thermostat and check it's operation.
3) Flush the radiator using a garden hose and flush through the engine with the thermostat removed.
4) Refill with the car on ramps which should help to expel the air.
What I cannot understand is why the water was not boiling off and the gauge was reading normal with no circulation through the radiator?
Any suggestions/comments please?
Gary
My wife's car is a 1.4 VVTI (Year 2000). It is now 11 years old and so I thought it prudent to change the coolant.
I followed the Haynes manual and drained using the radiator plug and also using the tap at the rear of the engine block. The old coolant looked clear and so I have no reason to believe that corrosion has occured.
I refilled the engine (without flushing) by pouring the antifreeze and water into the radiator and all seemed well. The manual says that it should take 6 litres however I suspect it took more like 5 litres (including the reservoir).
I pinched the hoses during the filling process to expel air. The problem is that the bottom hose (outlet) is stone cold while the upper hose (inlet gets hot). I have read that this is a common problem although there appears to be many causes. The water is circulating around the heater matrix, and the temp gauge is indicating normal. This was after a 7 mile run in warm weather.
I appreciate that the bottom hose should be cooler than the upper hose but not stone cold surely? I drained the coolant out again and refilled and I now have an air lock in the heater matrix and still the bottom hose is cold.
I plan now to do the following when it stops raining:
1) Put some ramps under the front wheels and remove the under cover to gain access to the bottom radiator hose.
2) Remove the thermostat and check it's operation.
3) Flush the radiator using a garden hose and flush through the engine with the thermostat removed.
4) Refill with the car on ramps which should help to expel the air.
What I cannot understand is why the water was not boiling off and the gauge was reading normal with no circulation through the radiator?
Any suggestions/comments please?
Gary
