Date: Fri, 09 Jul 1999 03:52:52 +0200 From: Robert Brown <rjbnopsamnetNOSPAM.se> Subject: Re: Boil over problem
Hi, Can you explain "boil over" in a bit more detail - i.e. is there a large surge in gases from the coolant when you remove the resevoir cap? In that case you may have exhaust gases being pressed into the coolant via a leaking head gasket or cracked head. A mechanic can analyse the coolant for traces of CO to confirm this. If your problem is due to the above, there is often a slight increase in coolant temperature (due to high temp of exhaust gases), and the radiator fan should start coming on sooner than you'd expect. Have you confirmed that your fan is starting up as it normally has done? A broken fan or thermostat switch is a common cause of cracked heads on the 8V (I have had bad fan -> cracked head on my 1983 99). Since you report _no_ increase in temp, then the problem can be due to something else instead. Trying to think of more causes here, and perhaps other readers can throw in their 2 cents' worth: Try slowly bleeding air from the cooling system (via the valve near the distributor, with engine running). Any chance that your radiator's blocked up? Disconnect hoses and flush in both directions. I'm in speculation mode here. If you can post more details, maybe we can eliminate some unknowns . . . // Robert (1983 99, 1983 900, 1999 9-3) "George F. Johnson" wrote: > My '86 900 (8 valve engine) has begun to boil over after turning off the > engine. I have replaced the themostat and the temp gauge reads normal. The > problem began right after a minor tune up (new plugs, set timing and idle). I > should mention that I live at altitude - 7000 ft. Can anyone shed light on > this problem? > > Thanks in advance > George F. Johnson