possible coolant problem ?

**SRI Chris** · 10th July 2009, 01:09

hello everybody

i have just joined up today and i have a quick question if its ok i have a 2008 vectra c sri 1.8 petrol with vvt.

The question i have is after driving my car so it was hot i got back and i tried to take off the coolant expansion tank cap, it was already at the correct level not down or anything and the whole tank started to fill up with coolant right up to the top.
If i hadn't screwed the lid back on quickly it would have spilled out all over the place is this normal for a vec c ?.
I had a 1.8 vectra b before if you did like above all it would do is let out a hiss and then it would be fine, the level would move up a fraction but that was it do i have a possible problem ? as far as i am aware it isnt really over heating.
It seems to be sticking to around the 90 mark unless in traffic and it goes up to say 95 or on some bits of road it may say go up to 92-93 but then a clear bit of road will go back to around the 90 mark so dont think its over heating ?.
Any help on this matter would be appreciated so if it isnt normal the car should be covered under the remainder of the vx warrenty so its not a problem cheers.

from chris

**Celes** · 10th July 2009, 02:19

My 3.0 and my mother's 2.2DTi are the same. If you're not losing any coolant or having oil mixed in it and vice versa, you're fine

**brifen** · 10th July 2009, 03:18

All sounds pretty normal, my old B was like yours and the C does the same as yours too. If i take the expansion cap off when engine has been run and hot the expansion tank will fill up like you said. Nothing wrong there, it's just to do with liquid expanding when hot and under pressure etc..

Laters....

Bri.

**byebyeitsagsi** · 10th July 2009, 12:02

Your lucky you did'nt end up with serious burns never lossen the header tank cap when the engine is hot as the system is highly presurised.

The fluctuation on the temp gauge is normal its just when the fans kick in etc etc. As long as your coolant level sits normal when the engine is COLD lol

**omega2498** · 15th July 2009, 23:42

Check your antifreeze concentration with a tester - low concentrations have a lower boiling point. You may be forming a steam pocket in the head when you reduce the pressure by releasing the cap. (water boils on Everest at much lower than 100 deg C because of reduced atmospheric pressure)

**dj1** · 15th July 2009, 23:53

Originally Posted by byebyeitsagsi

Your lucky you did'nt end up with serious burns never lossen the header tank cap when the engine is hot as the system is highly presurised.

The fluctuation on the temp gauge is normal its just when the fans kick in etc etc. As long as your coolant level sits normal when the engine is COLD lol

DON'T DO IT!!!!! never undo cap when HOT!!!!!

**Celes** · 16th July 2009, 00:41

I undo the cap when the engine is HOT and I'm still alive. All you have to do is ease the cap slowly and as soon as you hear the hiss step back lol

**steve1975l** · 16th July 2009, 08:34

If the temperature gauge pointer is between the zones then it's normal operating temperature as per the manual.

**SRI Chris** · 19th July 2009, 00:09

Thanks for the messages guys.
Glad to hear whats happening is pretty normal as some of yours are doing the same and yes will check the anti freeze content aswell just to make double sure but its only a year old and has never had any work done on the cooling system so it should be ok but i will check anyway as can never be to sure stanger things have happened cheers

from chris

**jonnybravo** · 19th July 2009, 19:19

Hi Bud
all modern vehicles use a presurised cooling system ,the reason for the expansion tank is to collect coolant when hot and return it to running level when cold,it's quite normal but as the lads say
NEVER REMOVE COOLANT CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT,you will end up having a ride to your local hospital