Cheers Mike,

Yes it is a 3-port valve. The rads were scorching hot. Took advice and changed the valve....

Cannot advise on the specific V5 issue but there are various steps you need to take before a claim can be made on the insurance/guarantee that normally comes with a vehicle check. These are:

• You need to carry out the check yourself before you buy the vehicle - do not accept a check made by another buyer and certainly not by the vendor.
• You must supply the vehicle check company with both the vehicle (VRM) and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to be eligible to claim on the vehicle check insurance. The insurance or guarantee will not apply if they advise you that the VRM does not match the VIN.
• You need to check that the paperwork matches the vehicle. All the major vehicle check companies would immediately pick up a claim based on a stolen V5.
• You must check that all the VIN markings on the vehicle match each other and the corresponding V5 registration document.
• You must keep and produce a written receipt for your purchase, signed by the seller, containing the key information needed to identify the seller and the vehicle (e.g. the seller's name and address, the identity and mileage of the vehicle purchased, the date of purchase and the amount you paid).
• If you are buying the vehicle privately you must buy it from the keeper, at the address shown on the V5. You must also ask for proof of the identity of the seller.
• You must buy the vehicle in a reasonably prudent manner (for example - claims will not be considered if you have paid 30% below the retail market value).
• The cover provided is based on the car's value.
• Insurance offered with a vehicle check does not normally cover the vehicle's descriptive information made at the time of purchase or if the loss has arisen as a result of a fraudulent transaction.
• The insurance is normally valid for two years from the date of the check.
• The vehicle must be bought and registered in mainland Britain (i.e. it excludes Northern Ireland). Normally checks do not guarantee any history prior to arrival in this country.
• If you make a claim the company will normally demand the right to inspect the vehicle and to make the final decision as to its condition and value and pay out accordingly.