type-rob

Morning all, Friday, thank ****,

On my drive to work this morning I noticed my heaters were a tad cold, normally they are raging hot but luke warm today.

Spoken to my housemate/mechanic who mentioned there might be trapped air? Or a radiator leak?

Not noticed any fluids on the road.. could it be anything else? Anyone know of a quick fix?

Mucho thanks in advance!

DonNedly

iTrader: (10)

air lock probably,
Have you looked in the header tank to see if it has any coolant in it?

type-rob

Hopefully, Negative, will run downstairs now and have a peak!

type-rob

Now I am confused! The doesnt appear to be a header tank?! It is a classic if that makes a difference. There is a tube the coolant goes in (technical term is that!) which appears to have liquid in near the bottom (bout 3-4inch down to bend where the liquid is).

Am I being a fool? The radiator cap appears to be located on the engine?! 'do not open when hot' ... hmmmmm,

DonNedly

iTrader: (10)

yeah metal header tank on top of engine near turbo, with a rad cap that says do not open when hot.
That should be full to the brim.

type-rob

Spot on pal, I assume you mean the radiator full to brim not the coolant pipe?! Will go have a dabble when I can get away from my desk next!

ReggieMY99

Leave the cap off and brim it,let the engine run when the thermostat opens and circulates the coolant it should give some burps if there was air in the system, top up until you see no more bubbles

DonNedly

iTrader: (10)

What he said.
You can give the top rad hose a bit of squeeze to help burp the air out too.

eugmul

iTrader: (1)

Does sound like an air leak. As mentioned run it with the cap off, coolant level should drop, top up until it stops dropping. I found letting the fans cut in twice also helped to get rid of the air and also by jacking the drivers side up (the tank is on this side) seemed to speed up the whole process.
You also need to make sure the expansion tank has coolant in too, located behind passenger headlight and has a hose that hangs to nowhere (well by the battery )

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

1. Where's the water gone? This is quite important, obviously, and needs to be put right.

2. Hate to tell you, but this may also be the dreaded head gasket.....

type-rob

Nice and toasty now, there were a few 'burps'! Was toasty on the run then went cold for a min then back to toasty, so think there must still be a bubble or two!

Head gasket? Would there not be any other signs?

type-rob

p.s. not too long ago the turbo was off for a new up pipe...

classic Subaru Si

yeah, take the oil filler cap off and have a look - if it looks like cream mixed with oil, then its the head gasket

DonNedly

iTrader: (10)

I would think most likely a leaky radiator or a split hose somewhere.
Before you start stressing about head gaskets.

type-rob

Too late! !!

I think your right but I suppose I need to know all the possibilities ... I feel a mucky weekend coming on!

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Best to know either way, sooner rather than later.

type-rob

Deffo, finishing up at the office now... oil check time :/

type-rob

The car is fine now thanks! Heaters fine, checked the oil which was fine too... phew! Just been on with fitting a new plate today, which has lead to a bumper re-spray... oh joy!