Head case
My daughter has my old 1999 Volvo V70 which has now done 165,000 miles but doesn't look it. Last week the coolant light came on and her garage diagnosed a failed radiator. £300 and almost a week later and with a new radiator fitted she got the car back today.
After a short time she found a puddle under the engine where the car was parked. The coolant light is on again. She went back to the garage to be told that it is now the water pump that is at fault and "that will be a big job." The car has been regularly serviced at the same one-man garage without any problems to now. The garage is now under new ownership. None of us are mechanically minded. Is she being given the run-around?
After a short time she found a puddle under the engine where the car was parked. The coolant light is on again. She went back to the garage to be told that it is now the water pump that is at fault and "that will be a big job." The car has been regularly serviced at the same one-man garage without any problems to now. The garage is now under new ownership. None of us are mechanically minded. Is she being given the run-around?
Asked on 15 August 2011 by RM, via email
Answered by
Honest John
When an engine overheats, the radiator, water pump and thermostat can all fail at the same time. Also the head gasket if it gets hot enough.
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