bubbles in expansion tank

[Reedy]

Hello All,

please be gentle with me it's my first time.Just bought 1977 White auto with the wifes blessing, I've loads of questions to ask but easy ones first.Bubbles in expansion tank at idle speed but disappear above 1000rpm, just removed thermostat to flush out cooling system will this make any difference, or is this the start ofan adventure replacing head gaskets?:?

[Guest]

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I may be wrong but if you rev the engine and no bubbles, i think this is ok!

Just had this problem with my mums car (rover 214) rev the engine lots of bubbles in the expansion tank.

Welcome to Stag ownership and the Forum

Jason

[Reedy]

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Thanks Jason thats lifted my spirits, I might even drive the beast on the road tomorrow.

Gary.

[marshman]

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Hi Gary,

Welcome to the forum.

In my, relatively short, experience provided that the coolant level in the expansion tank DOES NOT go up and the water level when viewed through the filler plug on the radiator DOES NOT go down then you are OK. If everytime you go out the expansion tank seems to "fill up" then further investigation will be required. The crucial thing is to check the levels before every journey until you get to know the car and keep a beedy eye on the temp gauge, if it starts to creep up too much for no reason, i.e. you are not competing in the Le Man 24 hour, then STOP. This should limit any permanent damage to the heads. I drove my car for 18 months where I was topping up before every journeyand it didn't let me down. I have, however, just replaced both heads which appears to have cured the problem.

Happy Motoring

Roger

[Reedy]

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Good advice Rodger, I do need confidence in the car and only time will tell.When i first drove it the temperature gauge never rose above quarter so maybe i'm in luck

Gary

[V Mad]

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marshman wrote:

Hi Gary,

Welcome to the forum.

In my, relatively short, experience provided that the coolant level in the expansion tank DOES NOT go up and the water level when viewed through the filler plug on the radiator DOES NOT go down then you are OK. If everytime you go out the expansion tank seems to "fill up" then further investigation will be required.

Roger

I agree with that. If the bottle does not fill up you are probably OK.

I suspect the bubbles are just expansion as the engine warms up. Normally if the system has been properly filled you should not see any bubbles once it has fully warmed up.

Enjoy and keep us posted!

PS: Dont be shy about your approximate UK location; you dont have to give your full address.

[Arbman Al]

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Hi Gary,

Welcome to the mad house, I mean Forum!

There are some very experienced stag owners on here who are always willing to offer advice and help, intermixed with some great humour as well.

I see you are another 40 year old (ish) getting a StagMe too:P

Have fun,

Al.

[Reedy]

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Thanks VMad, I'm from Whitehaven in Cumbria i just need one of my kids to show me how this computer thing works and update my profile

Gary.

[Reedy]

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Hi Al

I might be 42 but this old stag makes me feel 22 and it's great

Gary.

[DJT]

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Welcome Gary,

Just make sure the radiator is completely full. Do this by filling at the top plug, squeezing the top hose to expel any air. It often helps to have the NSF raised slightly. The expansionbottle should be around 1/4 - 1/3 full when cold. This will rise to 1/2 - 3/4 when hot, and return when it cools.

Dave

[Reedy]

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Thank you all,

i've followed your advice and now I'm bubble freeit's nice to know I'm in good hands.

Gary