1.4mpi.  After a short drive the top and bottom radiator hoses are under pressure, probably too much, however the coolant level in expansion vessel has not changed level.  When engine is nice and hot would expect the coolant level and vessel to increase above the max as it expands.  Any ideas anyone.

 

Victor

are you loosing coolant

Drove it today for a longer drive.  After leaving the car standing for couple of hours the radiator hoses were still pressurized.  Coolant level was now below minimum.  Opened the expansion tank, which released a load of pressure and coolant.  On release of pressure coolant level rose to just below minimum level.

 

Victor

In the morning, check the coolant level, if its low unscrew the cap and check if you hear a "hiss" sound like opening a bottle of cola. If you hear it then there is a problem as there shouldn't be any pressure in there at cold,

 

It could just need a bleed of air, or it could be that the headgasket has a seal broken,

The head gasket has definitely gone, no point even imagining any other source of the problem.

may like to have a look at this --http://www.ehow.com/how_2188869_use-engine-coolant-test-strips.html

There's also test kits to check for head gasket leaks into cooling system costing around £35- 40 ,but removing any doubt.

Changing the head gasket as cannot think it can be anything else.  Am stripping down the car at present.  The haynes manual gives the torque on the head bolts as 20nm plus two 90 degree turns, is this correct as I have read somewhere that this is way too low?  Also if the head needs skimming is there any knock on effects from doing that which I need to know about?

 

Many Thanks

Victor