Radiator/expansion tank problem, help please! :(

[Tom]

Hi Guys.

Driving to work this morning, I noticed the temperature gauge was dangerously close to Hot, so I pulled over, turned off the engine and opened the bonnet.

There was a moderate amount of water seepage around the expansion tank cap, and also a little seepage on the radiator where the large hose connects to it. While the engine was off, I still had the key turned in the ignition and the heater on speed 2 to help the engine cool. I was able to continue the rest of the journey without issue (in fact, for the rest of the journey it ran rather too cool, a little before halfway on the gauge) but I'd like to get it sorted out now in case it turns out to be something serious.

Any suggestions/advice gratefully received. TIA.

Tom.

[volvosneverdie]

Flush the system. If loads of poo comes out, theres your problem.
How do the fins on the rad look?
If theres loads missing, theres your problem.

Other than that, Im clueless.

[morgan105]

Check the fan is working and the thermostat is opening.

[CBA]

Flush that system OUT!,
use Radflush, its cheap and it does an OK job.
Then, refill 50/50 coolant and water.

Once full -

Let car tick over until fan kicks in, leave it running until fan goes back off - if heat goes flying past midrange on the scale with no fan coming on you have a problemings.

Otherwise, after a Fan ON/OFF cycle it is now deemed fixed.