steaming radiator - help!

**BFG** · 5th February 2003

Any ideas what might be causing a steaming radiator in a Renault 5 GT?

Seems as though the fan isn't spinning when it's up to temperature - could be the motor or the thermo switch - or might there be something else I need to look at?

Just recently filled the water bottle, that's not the problem. maybe it's a silt or rust problem?

Any thoughts appreciated.

**cosmicma** · 6th February 2003

sounds like the radiator is leaking it should be sealed so no steam should be seen

if the steam is coming from the radiator cap it could be just a simple matter of the cap seal not doing it's job anywhere else probably a leak or worn / badly fitted hose or leaky radiator

**the_wizzard** · 6th February 2003

try putting a feed to the fan direct to see if it works if it dose then prob could be the themo switch not working also you could try back fushing the rad to clear out any shite, is the prob constant? or just when idling? let us know how ye get on

booboo

**pratman** · 14th February 2003

hmmmmm, well it could be ur switch, have that checked, but seems u might have a leek as they said, if that is so, get this stuff called rad weld from a little shop should cost a couple quid, pour it in ur water bottle it should circulate it through ur car when u drive it and block any holes in radiator, if steam is still there then might be something i dont know bout. lol

**Zippeyrude** · 19th February 2003

if there's steam and its comin from the rad its leaking, there would also be a reduction in water coolant level.

steaming from tap can be loads else....

**BFG** · 23rd February 2003

*UPDATE*

Sorry for the late reply, I sorted the problem and forgot to check back here.

I did as you guys suggested, put a link in from the fan to the battery, span ok. did the same for the switch, fan span again. checked the radiator with a fine tooth comb then spotted water on the front bumper... then water started pi$$ing out the front of the radiator - a hole

cause of the problem, the mrs didn't put any anti-freeze in the water bottle, so it froze up and popped. (women eh?)

Got a replacement from the scrapyard for �10 :!:

That's got a small pinhole in tho, spotted it blowing bubbles - so I'm gonna get me some rad-weld to sort that.

Thanks for all your suggestions chaps - appreciated.