Hi,

I have a 96 model 850-T. I was suspecting since some days that the temperature guage is above normal.One day while driving I noticed some steam coming out from under the hood. On checking I noticed that the steam was coming from the plastic box(where you put the coolant). After getting it checked , the dealer tole me that the radiator needed replacing . I finally relented and then the radiator was replaced and new coolant etc.. put in. But still I could see that the temperature guage was above more than the halfway mark.

Now yesterday I was driving and suddenly noticed that the temperature guage was above the red mark(!!!!!)On stopping the car immediately, I found the folllowing:
1. There was a hole in the hose pipe.
2. there was no trace of any coolant/water in the plastic box.

Now I have got the hose pipe replaced today, but would like to know tha following:

1. What is the real cause of the overheating.
2. Is it ok to drive or should I get it checked by the dealer.


Also I have noticed that the radiator fan seems to run only when tha A/C is switched on.


Please help.

thanks for the support.


With Regards,


Ajay(Kuwait)

 

^Coolant is what keeps your car cool as its name states.

If you don't have coolant, your car is going to overheat, and there is absolutely no question about it. Good thing you caught it before it got bad. If you kept running your car, you'd be looking at a brand new motor right now.

If the hose that you replaced is the leaking hose, I think you should be ok. But if there are more leaks, definetely get the car checked and the appropriate hoses replaced.

 

اَلسَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ Ajay,

Greetings from Yokohama, Japan.

Overheating is generally caused by one of the following:

1. Loss of coolant (as in your case).
2. Thermostat stuck closed.
3.Inoperative electric radiator fan (it comes on when the coolant reaches certain temp, or when you turn on the A/C. If the coolant temp is not hot enough, the fan does not turn. However, if the fan never kicks in, you might want to check its fuse or the fan motor).
4. Incorrect ignition timing (highly unlikely on modern cars, as they are computer-controlled, unless someone messed with the timing belt and did not adjust it correctly).
5. Defective radiator.

The plastic box is referred to as "Coolant expansion reservoir", or, coolant tank, etc... The cap seems to fail after a long time of use, as well as the tank itself. To ensure cooling system performance, have the system pressure-tested at a reputable shop.

Good luck,


JPN