|
In Reply to: Re: Steam Burst While Bleeding Coolant System posted by Smokey on July 02, 2000 at 20:12:29:
I think you need to focus first on the head gasket before you start work on swapping out the radiator. You absolutely have to confirm whether or not the gasket's blown.
When I had my overheat problem caused by a broken fan belt, the temp gauge hadn't got even close to the red zone and within a few seconds the gasket blew out in three places.
The problem was deceptive; if I ran the car around the block and let it idle, I couldn't see any coolant wisping out the head but if I drove it for about ten minutes and then checked, sure enough, coolant out the side. Through all this the temp gauge resolutely stayed at the half-mark.
Best to have the head gasket looked at right away. It is possible that you had so much air in the system when you first started her up that local hot spots developed in the head and blew the gasket. Doesn't take much at all on the M30.
Radiator R&R is pretty simple. Remove fan and shroud, remove left side cover (next to shroud) and disconnect sensor. Pop off the two large plastic clips on top that are at each end of radiator and pull the radiator straight up. Of course, disconnect hoses first. Watch for rubber buffers that are now stuck to the radiator with heat and age.
I have no experience with the Valeo brand. I tend to stay with OEM parts unless there's a really compelling reason to use aftermarket. If it doesn't have a drain plug, you'll have to pull off the hose to drain the radiator, which can be a pain.
If you are going to need head work, the radiator hoses will come off anyway so that's the time to replace the radiator. Overlapping labor, as they say.
I feel your pain, trust me...
Adnan
© 1997 -
2009
Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.
