water system problems

**Marty** · 15th March 2008, 17:10

Hi, I seem to have a problem with the cooling system on my 2.0 t petrol signum 2003 model, first i noticed that the temp gauge wasnt rising for around 5 or 6 miles after start up, then it seems to be ok staying at around 85 90. On having a look under the bonnet (not really my department) the water doesnt seem to be circulating as there is no movment at the header tank, the level is ok, on squeezing a couple of the pipes you get movment in the tank, apart from the large one coming down from the front right hand side of the engine as you look at it , not sure if this pipe should be full of coolant or not but it seems empty.
Hope this makes sense, and has anyone have a clue . Seems to me like the water pump aint working or the coolant is air locked. If it is , is it any easy job .
Thanx Marty.

**Big Sig** · 15th March 2008, 17:41

If there was a problem with the cooling system then it would overheat. That "empty" pipe could be a air pipe for the induction system.

**Marty** · 15th March 2008, 17:50

Hi, thanx for your reply , had another look and the pipe at the front does look like an air pipe. there def isnt any water going back through the header tank when the engine is running, i feel as though i am missing something obvious

.
Yours Marty.

**Big Sig** · 15th March 2008, 18:04

I have no idea if it does or does not on mine, tbh I have no reason to check.

**Johnsdutton** · 15th March 2008, 19:47

The car will not reach operating temp on that mileage especially on these cold mornings, therefore the thermostat stays shut and will not allow the water to circulate until the engine is warm enough. Try running it a little further then check it, remember if you are doing a lot of stop start driving it will take longer to heat up.

**Marty** · 15th March 2008, 21:48

Hi Thanx for your reply, we recently bought a Hyundai coupe for my wife and the engine and interior heats up so quickly being it a two seater maybe i have put two and two and made five, but i have a worry that the water /coolant isnt circulating as at the header tank there is no input, do you know if yours has or if there should be.

Yours Marty.

**Johnsdutton** · 15th March 2008, 22:04

what you have got to remember is that all cars are different my Omega eatate took ages to heat up after 10 miles it was just starting to warm up with my Siggy it starts to warm up after 3 miles and is roasting after 10 but that is driving at motorway speeds almost from the moment I get to the end of our street. There are a lot of factors to take into account such as weather conditions and how fast you are driving, and if you have antifreeeze and what strength it is.If it does not heat up after 15 miles I would be slightly concerned and give the coolant system a flush. If you are not too far from me I could maybe take a look at it for you. though I am pretty sure there is nothing wrong.
By the way the wife has an Agila and that heats up within minutes, small car big heater it is magic.