Inspected a 2000 auto 2.5 V6 today. First checked the oil on the dipstick - black but no signs of water mixed in it. The radiator overflow bottle was empty when we arrived though and the owner half filled it before we drove it. There was a tiny tick at tickover when warm and no tick at tickover after the test drive. It drove perfectly despite being driven hard for 20 minutes in 30+ degrees. Even made quite a nice V6 noise, albeit without making much forward progress due no doubt to weighing about the same as the QE2. Temp gauge stayed below the middle. No pinging. No smoke. No pistons came out the side of the block. Both heads remained firmly fixed. No signs of leaks around the head gaskets. It didn't run on when the ignition was switched off. It was possible to touch the cover on top of the radiator without getting burnt. Removal of the oil filler cap showed only a slight oil mist. No other signs of anything amiss. The radiator fan did come on though, but that would be normal when the car stopped moving after a quick drive in high ambient temps, wouldn't it? In any case, it also switched itself off a few minutes later.
However, the overflow bottle was empty again after the drive. We asked the owner about this and he removed the rad cap with his bare hands to check the level in there! No water visible in the radiator, and the owner didn't get burnt so obviously no pressure in the radiator either.
So what do you reckon is occurring here? Modified temp gauge to cover one of the fatal failures? Or just a loose or leaking hose?
However, the overflow bottle was empty again after the drive. We asked the owner about this and he removed the rad cap with his bare hands to check the level in there! No water visible in the radiator, and the owner didn't get burnt so obviously no pressure in the radiator either.
So what do you reckon is occurring here? Modified temp gauge to cover one of the fatal failures? Or just a loose or leaking hose?
