Overheating disaster :(

[ian_uk1975]

Took the Dax out for a spin yesterday afternoon and it overheated... BADLY. By the time I was in a position to shutdown, the water temp gauge was >140C. Mucho steam, hissing and now a burst rad, too. Haven't been back to the car since it's had a change to cool-down, but I'm assuming I won't be facing good news.

Anyone know someone good with the SBC in the Norhampton / Northants area that could sort it for me? I could tackle the job myself (I was intending to lift the heads anyway), but after the stress of the whole debacle, I'd rather just hand the car over to someone else to fix and pay the dosh.

Cheers,
Ian.

[TINKA]

How far did you drive it with it boiling over? To be honest the most damage you should have done is possibly warp the heads, which should be ok if you get them skimmed. The rest of the engine should be ok as the oil should be enough to keep it from getting so hot it destroyed itself, as long as you didn't drive it in this state. This is not to say it wont be worse just depends how far you drove it after the initial problem started. Sorry don’t know anyone to do the work for you, who built your engine originally, could you send it back to them

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by TINKA

How far did you drive it with it boiling over? To be honest the most damage you should have done is possibly warp the heads, which should be ok if you get them skimmed. The rest of the engine should be ok as the oil should be enough to keep it from getting so hot it destroyed itself, as long as you didn't drive it in this state. This is not to say it wont be worse just depends how far you drove it after the initial problem started. Sorry don’t know anyone to do the work for you, who built your engine originally, could you send it back to them

Drove the car about 2 to 3 miles to get back to the garage, keeping the revs as low while travelling as fast as possible. This brings it home that breakdown cover is definitely a good idea.

Heads unlikely to warp as cast iron(?) I would've thought more likely to crack.

Jez @ Custom Power & Paint built the engine originally.

[TINKA]

SHIT that is a long way in that state, you should of just stopped.

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by TINKA

SHIT that is a long way in that state, you should of just stopped.

Yea, c'est la vie. I don't have breakdown cover (that will be changing!) and I could've done without the humiliation of pulling-over on a busy town-centre street with a knackered Cob. Guess I'll just have to reap what I've sown now. So, hoping I won't be punished too severely by the engine Gods.

Anyway, trying to look on the bright side... maybe I should look at this as an opportunity to build the engine to a known (and better) spec. Or, just buy a replacement engine to drop in. Guess I'll have to take a view as to the extent of the damage I've done and make a judgment call. Will start with a cranking pressure test and see what that throws-up.

Cheers,
Ian.

[Vidge]

I know a place in ST Ives that can do the work, its a 40 odd mile trip from Northampton though. I've just dropped off a Volvo Penta for a dip and strip.

I'm up in Huntingdon drop me a PM if you want more details or to borrow the engine crane / stands etc.

Andy

[craggle]

Must be a reason for it to overheat. Non working fan, Stuck thermostat, Low water level, burst hose. Did the rad cap release to expel the excess pressure.

I would replace the damaged rad, Fill it back up with water and start it up and keep it running until up to temp. If it looks like overheating again then stop the motor and find out why. Might be a good idea to replace the thermostat anyway seeing as they cost about £5

Don't start pulling the engine apart until you know there is something wrong with it.

Craig.

[Clarkson]

Put a new raditor in and retest it?? OR pull your motor out and give it to Mike to sort out??

[Daxman]

If you do want some one to look at the engine you could try Knight Racing in Daventry not to far from northampton.

Knight Racing Services

Russ

[robert]

Originally Posted by ian_uk1975

Took the Dax out for a spin yesterday afternoon and it overheated... BADLY. By the time I was in a position to shutdown, the water temp gauge was >140C. Mucho steam, hissing and now a burst rad, too. Haven't been back to the car since it's had a change to cool-down, but I'm assuming I won't be facing good news.

Anyone know someone good with the SBC in the Norhampton / Northants area that could sort it for me? I could tackle the job myself (I was intending to lift the heads anyway), but after the stress of the whole debacle, I'd rather just hand the car over to someone else to fix and pay the dosh.

Cheers,
Ian.

Peter Knight over in Daventry is probably the best place for you to go.