[Swamprat]

Hey Lads (and ladettes),

Recently had my head gasket replaced, went for a drive the next day and had some interesting issues...

Suzie started staggering slightly after 30 mins of driving, temp looked normal but I pulled over and popped the bonnet.

Coolant everywhere, except for in the radiator which was stone cold. Overflow bottle was full, and with a nice thin creamy layer on top (oil)

Found a burst hose behind the thermostat, it was a particularly cold morning which I think is why I hadn't seen an explosion of steam when it ruptured and the temp. hadn't sky-rocketed.

So replaced the hose and the thermostat (noticed some more drops of creamy oil in the chamber), and topped her up with coolant.

Drove home with no issues, popped the hood again and the radiator was full but still cold, so I'm guessing there's still no flow.

Maybe the answer is obvious but nevertheless my questions are;

1) Is it most likely a blockage in the cooling system?
2) Is flushing the cooling system as simple as whacking a garden hose on?
3) Could it be a result of having the head gasket replaced?
4) Why would the overflow bottle be full?

any thoughts appreciated

Cheers,
Swamprat

[droverdave]

Do you know the history of the water pump?

[Swamprat]

Yep, new one put in about 2 years ago

[Santos]

My first thought was thermostat is seized . (or possibly installed upside down)

To test drop it in boiling water. Should snap open alomost instantly.
To test accurately bring water to boil to thermostat rated temp (from memory i want to say 88? but check FSM) drop thermostat in water so it doesn't touch the hot metal bottom.

Also you want to keep your overflow bottle at the full mark, to lazy to explain the why.

[Jezza86]

a gopro and a thermomix work wonders for thumostat testing.


just though thermomix mix needed a mention on this forum.

[Rhinoman]

What vehicle and what year?

[Swamprat]

Sierra '91