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Joined: 9th April 2014
Local Time: 22nd February 2019 06:11
From: Southampton
Member No.: 11,600
Driving: Alfa 145,
From: Southampton
Topped the coolant up the other day. Didn't screw the cap on tightly enough. It worked loose. I know this when on my 15 min commute it overheated and the coolant fell out. Got to 100 degrees. Topped it up with water to get it home, didn't go over 80 degrees. Ordered a new cap. Then ordered one the right size. Topped up with proper coolant and the system now pressurizes as it gets hot. I have tried letting the engine run to circulate the air bubbles - if there are any, but it is still the same. Coolant stops bubbling, I screw the cap down then immediately pressurised and the temp goes through the roof.
What else can I try?
I am still struggling with high idle speed too (although I got it just low enough for an MOT!), but I am not sure the issues are related?
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Local Time: 22nd February 2019 05:11
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Driving: 146 CF2 1.8 T-spark
From: Edinburgh
Hey Andy-
not sure 'quite' what you are describing here- but the coolant system will pressurise as it gets hot; this is a facet of normal operation.
Are you STILL hitting 100 degrees with the new cap on..? 'Cos if you aren't; I'd say it sounds fine to me...
Idle speed is most likely an airflow issue surrounding the induction side of the engine- MAF or pipes after it to the manifold. Maybe the bypass valve..
Group: New Member
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Joined: 9th April 2014
Local Time: 22nd February 2019 06:11
From: Southampton
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Driving: Alfa 145,
From: Southampton
QUOTE(dante giacosa @ 19th December 2017 14:29)
Hey Andy-
not sure 'quite' what you are describing here- but the coolant system will pressurise as it gets hot; this is a facet of normal operation.
Are you STILL hitting 100 degrees with the new cap on..? 'Cos if you aren't; I'd say it sounds fine to me... Idle speed is most likely an airflow issue surrounding the induction side of the engine- MAF or pipes after it to the manifold. Maybe the bypass valve..
SORRY! Thank you for the info about pressure - that makes perfect sense. That is the issue. Coolant pressurised and still hitting a high temp. The new cap was 2nd hand as I couldn't find a new one!
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Local Time: 22nd February 2019 05:11
From: Lincoln
Member No.: 3,059
Driving: Audi A3 Sportback S-Line 1.4 TFSI COD
From: Lincoln
Depending on what model radiator is fitted, there is a hidden bleeding screw at the very top of the rad in a horizontal position. It will either be a screw or a plastic thumb screw. Hopefully its just an air lock in that but failing that.... Release the top hose and very slowly ease off but not completely, just enough to allow some air to come out. Be sure to have old towels and cold water to hand just incase you slip and the pipe comes off.
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'96 Purple 145 QV died from rust - '98 Blue Junior SOLD - '99 Red 145 QV 20VT SOLD - '97 145 QV Track Tart SOLD
Group: New Member
Posts: 11
Joined: 9th April 2014
Local Time: 22nd February 2019 06:11
From: Southampton
Member No.: 11,600
Driving: Alfa 145,
From: Southampton
QUOTE(dante giacosa @ 20th December 2017 08:59)
(well done Langers)
Andy?
OK. The engine has an alloy cover on it - I assume that is the question? I'm "new" to Alfa's, but not cars. Fan came on and was running very well, constantly. Radiator, I went to have a look, but the car won't start at all. Oddly the central locking didn't work either. Odd. I popped the bonnet to find the battery missing - my son had "borrowed it" as he killed his!
I will get a new one and look for the bleed screw...
Group: New Member
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Local Time: 22nd February 2019 06:11
From: Southampton
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Driving: Alfa 145,
From: Southampton
After many weeks of head scratching this one small issue is now solved. I spotted in the under tray the original coolant cap. It is the same size, shape and color as the "new" one I had fitted. I screwed it back on and yep, not pressureised or overheating any more! How, I have no idea. Even the revs are lower than they were - they are not cured, but lower is better.
After many weeks of head scratching this one small issue is now solved. I spotted in the under tray the original coolant cap. It is the same size, shape and color as the "new" one I had fitted. I screwed it back on and yep, not pressureised or overheating any more! How, I have no idea. Even the revs are lower than they were - they are not cured, but lower is better.
145 Cloverleaf Coolant Pressurised
19th December 2017 14:07
