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paulhide · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 6:06 pm Post subject: Header tank level

When running a 16v engine should the water in the header tank go about 1.5/2cm above the max line when at running temperature Question

Or have I got a problem
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Oggie · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 7:34 pm Post subject:

Possibly a failing thermostat, not opening fully?.
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john 33_16v · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:02 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't worry too much, but just keep an eye on it.

In my (limited) experience of 33s, suds etc the coolant in the header tank tends to run low rather than high...

John
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paulhide · Posted: Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:43 pm Post subject:

Brand new thermostat.
I know the coolant should be pressurised when running and therefore be a tiny bit higher, but I think this may be excessive?
Worried it could be a head gasket going?
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eagle3 · Alfa 33 Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 402 Location: France

I don't think I would be too alarmed by that. I would if i could see bubbles in the expansion tank.

As long as the radiator's getting hot after 10 minutes or so the thermostat should be working ok(just because it's "new" doesn't mean it can't be faulty ). Smile

In principle if the pressure in the expansion tank gets too high the seal on the cap should open(can't remember the pressure - it's sometimes marked on the cap - about 1.5 bar) and let any excess coolant out through the overflow pipe.

Did you change the water pump as well?
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paulhide · Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 9:16 am Post subject:

Yes replaced water pump, thanks Eagle.
Engine reaches temperature fine.
Will give car a run today and look for any bubbles.
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Joelomint · Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2013 1:45 pm Post subject:

Could be a bit of air in the system after re-filling.. let her warm up, open the header tank, and give the lower hose a few squeezes - assuming you can get your arm down there on a 16v

I find i have to do this every time i change the coolant

SUD 145 · Posted: Sat Dec 21, 2013 1:23 am Post subject:

Hi Paul. My '83 Sud runs a cap at 7lb but a S2 33 may be higher. If it lifts a 7lb cap I'd check is there water inthe oil or oil in the water before going to a higher cap. Compression check.....

ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 12:23 pm Post subject:

Hi,

The level is alvays ~1cm higher when the car is hot.
If the car gets really hot I found it is sometimes impossible to have the header tank full up to the mark in cold condition since it will spill out excess water when hot and then shrink back to below maximum.

regards,
zp

paulhide · Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:50 pm Post subject:

Think it was air in the system as everything seems to have settled to what it should be after some refilling, but will keep an eye on it. Thanks everyone for your replies.
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