Cooling System Not Working Properly.

[gowler]

Have a 1997 2.0 petrol galaxy.

Got this from a freind as they were replacing due to this one having faults

It had its radiator replaced as was told old one was faulty.

 

Been trying to fix this for a while now but dont know what else to do.

 

Main thing is dont think the water is goin round the system correctly as last weekend we drained the coolant (taking bottom hose off rad tp empty) and then went to refil dint take much more then 3 litres until the expansion tank was full, so turned engine on and done fast idle for couple minutes but all the is happening is water is pumping out of the expansion tank every couple of seconds even when normal idle, and there feels like no water is getting through what so ever to bottom hose on rad as its so easy to squeeze and its staying cool. same with the top hose. so left it there, and its been ran a few times to work (bout 5 mins away). so i checked the levels and expansion tank was empty so i filled up again (took bout 1 half litre) and started and fast idled again and same thing happened water pumpin out, so i put lid on exp tank and let it idle for a while and still no hot top or bottom hose so i turned it off and was just looking at engine and the pipes for coolant all starting lumpin araoun nd making sounds. so i started engine again and let it idle and top hose was hot but bottom hose was cool this was after bout 6-7 mins on idle. dont know what else to go out checked the thermostat in hot water thats working fine, but the temp sensor in car is on and off, most time not working but then and now will come on for couple mins, just to say we put hose in top of rad and flsuhes it and water came out clear.

 

Would really appreciate help as car can only go around town atm and long roads and it starts overheatin.

 

Thanks for any help

[seatkid]

Check the belts have been routed correctly, IIRC its possible to put them on wrong and maybe the water pump is turning the wrong way.

Then I would say change thermostat first and if that dont fix it change the water pump.

[chrispb123456]

Head gasket blown is also likely, the more it overheats the more likely hood of more damage.

If you still have problems after checking pump and stat get the system pressure tested for combustion gases in cooling system.

[gowler]

thanks for the replys have not checked the belts if theres any information about the correct way to route them u could give would be brilliant, thermostat was replaced not to long ago, and next bit was gonna tackle was the water pump but been reading and aint the easiest of jobs. and been leaning away from head gasket as its been like this for around a year now and i still running lol used most days for work, also another sympton i dont think i said was the blowers inside the car only blow cold. thanks again for fast replys.

[seatkid]

[philclemo]

Hi gowler,

 

We have a 2.3 Auto. We purchased the car unknowingly with a blown head gasket. It ran for 12-14 months with little problem (apart from the coolant exiting the expansion tank) until one of the spark plugs was getting wet with coolant. One thing i would say is that not once did the temp gauge go over 90 deg.

 

I noticed the the heater only blowing cool too at idle, but it would warm if the engine was revved.

 

With regards to the head gasket change, I am the last person to offer any advice on that!

 

Good luck.