S2 Steam from grille

[YellowElan]

Hi,

I'm the proud owner of a bright yellow S2 Turbo. I've been a bit worried about the temperature of the car, in that the temperature gauge doesn't move and then suddenly jumps up high and the fans come on. Having read the forum, it seems that this is pretty normal? In any case, I was shuffling my cars about a while back and when the fans came on I noticed that a bit of steam was rising from the front of the car - not much, but enough to notice.

I hadn't driven anywhere, so there was not any water sprayed onto exposed hot parts of the engine, so I assume I've got a small leak somewhere.

Looking through the grille, I see this on the radiator:



Is my radiator on the way out?

Thanks!

[muley]

Rad looks very old... ..are you having to top up the coolant? If so it's a sure sign that you have a leak. An old rad might be clogged up inside so would create a heating/cooling issue.




Jim

[YellowElan]

Thank you!

Yes - the rad is almost certainly the original. The car really isn't used much, and would benefit from a coolant change (it's a very murky dark green/blue colour).

[muley]

Hmm, whereabouts are you? Might be able to help you..

..Jim

[YellowElan]

That's very kind of you! I'm based near Brooklands race track in Surrey.

I'll get my tame mechanic to take a look for me next time he's passing - it's not urgent since the car isn't getting used at the moment.

[Enright]

It would be worth you updating your profile with your location then you won't have to keep repeating yourself in other threads. And as you can see people are always keen to help if they know you're within striking distance!

[chrisP]

Give Ashley Sermon at Automotive Sporting Heritage a ring for a new aluminium radiator (he has my old OEM as a pattern) THe workmanship is awesome - I will try and find a photo...

07900 694526
ash.sermon@gmail.com

Regards
ChrisP