Urgent Advice Needed - My T3 Coolant System

Post by **Timmo** » 15 May 2006, 18:33

Hi Everyone,
Please can someone help me with a query I have about my T3 coolant system?

I have just checked the coolant levels on the bus and the water in the overflow tank (the one behind the rear number plate) is full to brimming (over the max level) but the coolant bottle inside the engine compartment is running quite low (just above min).

Is this normal?
I have just taken it for a spin and it is running ok but I was just wondering?
The coolant bottle inside the engine compartment is quite hot only after a short journey!

Do you think it could be something related to the fact it may need a new thermostat?

Please reply as I am going to Cornwall on Friday and I really need all your help!

Cheers
Timmo

Post by **Cate** » 15 May 2006, 18:44

This thread is quite useful on the bottles and what should nd shouldnt be happening, Mocki's bit in particular.

http://www.club80-90.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6803

Post by **Timmo** » 15 May 2006, 19:38

thanks Cate

Post by **Timmo** » 15 May 2006, 19:52

So to sum up.....
My top up bottle (behind the number plate) is full and my expansion tank (the one in the engine) is near empty.
Is this OK?

Post by **Cate** » 15 May 2006, 20:05

No, the one in the engine should be full, and gets under huge pressure when the engine is hot, the bottle behind the number plate is the one that acts as a reservoir for the other one.
If it ( the engine one) is full of air then air is being sucked in somewhere along the system, the water won't circulate properly if there is an air lock.
Bleed the system of air and keeep the engine tank filled up.

Lots of stuff on the WIKI,

http://www.club80-90.co.uk/wiki/index.p ... ing_system

Post by **NeedABus** » 15 May 2006, 20:34

Whatever you do, sort it out soon!

I kept putting off getting to the bottom of my water 'leak', just happily topping up the water when it was low, and I spent this week changing a head gasket!!!

A stitch in time and all that.

Post by **Timmo** » 16 May 2006, 19:35

will do - I have booked it into a vw specialist tomorrw lunch - i will let you know what he says.

Post by **Ivor Brownun** » 16 May 2006, 20:13

Timmo wrote:will do - I have booked it into a vw specialist tomorrw lunch - i will let you know what he says.

To himself " heres my holiday in the Caribean" To you " I cant give you a quote untill I've investigated futher" only joking, I hope it is'nt much,have you tried to top the empty bottle up when its cold? have you any visible leaks? how long have you had the van? they wont suckk from the top up bottle unless the other bottles full. I'm the last person to be giving advice as I'm pretty clueless on techy matters but I had a problem with air in the tank after a leak and it took me months to sort.

Post by **andylen** » 17 May 2006, 11:19

Perhaps it's as simple as the pressure cap has gone. Quite common fault and will do your symptons. Get a genuine one from vw.