Galaxy Mk1 Tdi Coolant Pressure

[ahearder]

Anyone know what would cause a big build up of pressure in the system? other symptoms are lack of heat through vents and keeps needing topped up yet there's never any puddles under the car and no coolant in the oil.

[BrianH]

Check you've got coolant being returned to the tank (engine off and cool remove the top off the expansion tank then start engine - you should see water being returned via the small pipe at the top of the bottle. If not good chance your water pump is not working (impeller broken off).

 

Stuck thermostat is a possibility, though if you have no heat coming through the heater it doesn't sound like the cause. Does the rear heater get hot?

[Bigjeeze]

Hopefully the measures Brian has outlined will solve your problem - However, there is a distinct possibility you have a head gasket needing replacing. I had exactly those symptoms in August this year when mine went.

[BrianH]

Hopefully the measures Brian has outlined will solve your problem - However, there is a distinct possibility you have a head gasket needing replacing. I had exactly those symptoms in August this year when mine went.

I have the same suspicions but worth trying to confirm it before spending money.

[ahearder]

Theirs no water coming from the small pipe also the bottle stays empty until you open cap and pressure is released the coolant rushes into it then. blowers occasionally get warm but never hot then they will go cold again shortly after been turned on. will check the rear heater.

[gregers]

have you taken that pipe off just to check nothing is stuck in it?im sure someone has posted that a little ball can become wedged in it?.

[BrianH]

Theres numerous posts on here regarding the water pump impeller becoming detached from the pump - the water returning from the tube should indicate it working, so it sounds like yours may not be.

 

Would suggest whats said above is looked into further about the pipe as it may be blocked, or maybe you have little/no circulation of the coolant, your excess pressure being down to that as well- Until you've confirmed what the cause is driving the car may well make it a lot worse (risking/resulting in the head gasket or other failures if you push it too far).

 

 

One other possibility - what colour is the coolant (should be orangey/red or blue or purple and in all cases fairly transparent - if its looking different eg rusty coloured you could have a blockage, particularly if you've mixed coolants with the topping up)

Edited October 27, 2015 by BrianH

[ahearder]

Turned out to be the head gasket. thanks for the replies.

[BrianH]

Turned out to be the head gasket. thanks for the replies.

 

Seriously look at the water pump then if your getting it fixed as given you don't have the water returning to the tank theres a good chance that was the cause of the failed gasket.