Beodude

iTrader: (3)

It started when I was in Colorado. Was climbing up a mountain, and after I started going back down, my coolant light went on. Added water, and went on my way. It did it again on the next day cruising through New Mexico at 90 with the AC on. Changed the coolant, 50/50 with distilled water. Still boiling, even with low loads. Both fans work, they kick into high.

I've been watching my coolant temps (through Torque) since it happened, and I rarely get over 210. I'm going to try and see if a new cap does the trick... I'm hoping its not the bottle.

Anybody else had similar problems? If so, what fixed it? I did search, and saw some threads about the bottle and such, but nobody that had been watching their actual coolant temps. It's weird that it would boil off like this when it doesn't get that high. Unfortunately, I haven't been watching the temps when it actually happened (go figure), so I can't say for sure that it didn't spike....

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Definitely coolant pressure related. Check the cap and get the system pressure tested.

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

I'll probably just buy a new cap, since they are pretty cheap. Was thinking about getting a Greddy one, but I don't think I'll really need it.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Just get a normal cap. Of course with the proper pressure rating.

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

Well, I figured out what is going on. I looked at my coolant level today before going to work, and the lip on the back side of the coolant bottle broke off. -_- I think it was getting pressurized, and pushing up in the middle, and spewing coolant everywhere.

My coolant sensor works now, but I might as well get it with the bottle. Oh well, there goes $130... Grrr.

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

Changed the bottle today, and the nipple on the top of the radiator broke. Blarg. Thankfully there was enough of a lip (maybe 1/4") that I got the hose to stick. Already have a radiator on the way, but it freaking sucks.

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

I was so nervous about breaking that nipple when I changed my bottle that I cut the hose off.

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

It was so rotten anyways. I don't think it would have taken much. I didn't really look it up beforehand. Probably should have haha. Might have saved me some monies.

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

Well I was lucky. I was changing the bottle and all the coolant lines at the same time. No way I wanted to buy a radaitor too!

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

Got the radiator changed yesterday. Took 4.5 hours. Ugh. And I kind of popped an AC line. Oops. Oh well, at least I can drive the car without worrying about coolant spraying all over.

Mazurfer

One thing leads to another. Ugh!

Junirol

iTrader: (24)

lol I remember when I changed my hoses and I had the same thing happen to me... the money pit

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Better to break it off that way than to have it blow when driving..and likely take out the engine too...I hate those plastic end tanks

Beodude

iTrader: (3)

Me too, but I don't want to spend more than I need to right now. Cooling capacity is obviously fine for what I need, so I'm not too worried.

katzoomed

Don't understand why I need another radiator replacement after 15 months doesn't make sense with it boiling over I'm putting in coolant every day.Money Pit you're right, love the driving experience but it just isn't safe given the situation.
Took it in for a 2nd real and didn't address the exact issue instead they took it in for a hydrocarbon check. Obviously apex seal worn,no surprise,the car has 166k. Ever hear of that on an original engine?

Reoze

You didn't really describe your issue beyond you having to put coolant in every day. If you don't see it dripping, and you're having to put that much in. theres a chance you blew a coolant seal. With 166k it wouldn't surprise me at all

katzoomed

[QUOTE=Reoze;4812829]You didn't really describe your issue beyond you having to put coolant in every day. If you don't see it dripping, and you're having to put that much in. theres a chance you blew a coolant seal. With 166k it wouldn't surprise me at all

NotAPreppie

Could be a bad coolant seal dumping exhaust gases into the coolant system.

Have your coolant tested for that.

katzoomed

Thanks so very much for your input. Since im not certain of the problem and trying to diagnose it, i can only report symptoms. Like you said, 166k says plenty.
Youve given me peace to release the car rather than keep trying to find problem and spend $$. Anyone suggest a value for parts?

Reoze

I would definitely verify that you're burning coolant before writing the entire car off. Even then, it could be as simple as replacing the O-Rings. At 166k I don't think the parts left in your car will be worth a terribly large amount of money.