Yesterday, as I was driving home from work (mainly urban roads) noticed that the temp on my Xantia 1.9TD was reading a little high - as it was quite a hot day and I was stuck in a traffic jam - I didn't take too much notice. I've never had problems with overheating before even stop start on the M25, for 10 miles in the height of Summer (don't want to be reminded of that too much - no A/C!!).
However, luckily when I was only about 1/2m(5min) from home I noticed that the gauge was reading just above the 100C mark. I turned the heater and fan on full blast and parked up with the engine off.
After it had cooled down I checked the coolant and I could see droplets forming on the inside bottom edge and a steady trickle down the right side of the radiator. There was no coolant in the header tank at all. I topped it up with water and left it overnight. This morning there is some water in the header tank albeit 3-4 inches from the brim. I've left the Xantia in situ and I'm using SWMBO's Punto at the moment.
What's the general consensus, a new radiator? Will I have done any permanent harm to the head? (The coolant has been changed every 2/3 years according to the history and I had it changed only last October).
Whatever work it needs, I'd like it to be carried out at my local Citroen specialist. Is there a temp fix so that I can drive it approx 12 miles/40min, so that I don't have the hassle of having it towed there.
Thanks,
Chad.R
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 19/02/2008 at 19:04
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Chad,
We've chatted about this on the forum, with Citroen's in particular, a few times.
The main problem is that these cooling systems have several essential bleed screws, once the coolant level has dropped away from the minimum mark air locks may have formed. Even when you top up again these air locks will remain and can cause the head gasket to fail over the next "x" miles.
If you are unable to fill and bleed the system by the book I would get the car recovered, a lot of trouble I know but every step that avoids a head-off job is worthwhile.
I forget your exact Xantia model but a discount price radiator may be £100 - £130, often they retail at £175 or more. Add to that replacement coolant plus labour to change.
Good luck,
David W
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Thanks David,
Euro Car Parts will do new rads for £89.00+VAT and the garage have quoted 1 hour labour + coolant, so for around £150 I can get the car back on the road. I was expecting more like £250-300 - so I'm fairly happy.
Again, thanks for your advice.
Chad.R
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As with any cooling system faults - STOP DRIVING the car straight away!
If only people would heed this advice, my workshop would be quieter....bah!
MG-Rover Questions? Click on www.mg-rover.org
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