Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 99 1.8 expansion tank

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Mon 29 Dec 2008 09:19
99 1.8 expansion tank - za.64
anyone know why my expansion tank stays cold when the engine is hot?, also keep getting a smell of hot rubber, ive checked all hoses and cant find anything wrong.
thanks for any help
alan
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Mon 29 Dec 2008 09:52
99 1.8 expansion tank - andyp
Probably the Thermostat is stuck in the closed position, or less likely it could be an airlock in the system.

Dont drive it until it is sorted as it will be getting very hot and you could end up with a very large repair bill for a blown head gasket or worse !!
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Mon 29 Dec 2008 12:54
99 1.8 expansion tank - za.64
thanks for the quick reply, ive been to ford and got a new themostat, changed it and went for a drive to warm engine up, still no difference.
any other ideas?
thanks
alan
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Mon 29 Dec 2008 13:39
99 1.8 expansion tank - jc2
I've an Escort and a Ka-neither expansion tank gets hot in normal use.
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Mon 29 Dec 2008 13:46
99 1.8 expansion tank - andyp
Is the car diesel or petrol ?

What is the temperature gauge on the dash reading ?
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Mon 29 Dec 2008 13:47
99 1.8 expansion tank - za.64
hi, it a petrol, temp gauge reading normal
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Mon 29 Dec 2008 14:01
99 1.8 expansion tank - andyp
Is the radiator hot (should be an even temperature all over it) ?

Is the heater working normally ?

Are all the hoses getting hot ?

If you squeeze the hoses can you see the coolant level in the expansion tank rise and fall ?

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Mon 29 Dec 2008 14:10
99 1.8 expansion tank - za.64
hi,
the heater works fine.
the top hose gets hot , the bottom one warm
if i squeeze the top hose the level rises ok.
not sure about the rad, need to go for another spin to warm it up.
i was only alerted to it by the smell of hot rubber, the car runs fine.
alan
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Wed 31 Dec 2008 11:47
99 1.8 expansion tank - za.64
quick update, just found out the head gaskets gone.
not really worth repairing due to its age.
its a shame as it been a great car for the 6 years ive had it.
alan
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Wed 31 Dec 2008 12:16
99 1.8 expansion tank - bathtub tom
>>not really worth repairing due to its age.

I think you'll find there's a few people here who'd be prepared to pay you more than scrap value for it.

You'd probably get even more on flea-bay.

Edited by bathtub tom on 31/12/2008 at 12:17

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Wed 31 Dec 2008 15:55
99 1.8 expansion tank - TurboD
Dead easy to mend, but why has it gone, may have warped head. Or did it run out of coolant?
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Wed 31 Dec 2008 16:07
99 1.8 expansion tank - za.64
i dont know why it went, i only noticed there was something wrong because the expansion tank was always cold and lots i mean lots of condensation even after a 20 mile drive. the coolant level only dropped a couple of inches. and no warning lights or over heating on the gauge.
ive just had a quote for £650-£700 for new gasket and fitting.
the cars got a few mods on it (not engine) like tints, twin head lights, led rears fuel comp, ford mesh grilles, which will all be replaced with the originals and ebayed.
alan
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Wed 31 Dec 2008 18:01
99 1.8 expansion tank - piston power
If your head gasket has gone the expansion tank usually bubbles?

Was a sniff test done? of the hydrocarbons.

This condensation is this inside the car? the pollen filter maybe blocked.

Something here does not seem right, get a few opinions from other garages mate, don't get ripped off!!
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Wed 31 Dec 2008 18:19
99 1.8 expansion tank - za.64
the tank had a film of oil on the water.
the condensation was outside out of the exhaust, it was that bad it was hard to see behind even after a 20 mile drive.
never heard of a sniff test, compression test was done by a garage ive used for years so i trust them.
ive been offered £1000 for it with most mods, should i take it? baring in mind the steering has a problem too (very stiff and sticky)
alan
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Thu 1 Jan 2009 15:24
99 1.8 expansion tank - killer
put a can of k seal in it, that will cure it.
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Wed 12 Jan 2011 22:54
99 1.8 expansion tank - Renault Owner

My (my wifes actually) 1.2 clio .... exact same symptoms... Hot engine cold expansion tank, hot rubber smell from heater, added to that I also have a low pitched squeal from the fan belt area. .... Quite simply the water pump is shot and if you were luckier than I am you spotted it before a head gasket leak.

Anyone that needs to change a worn pump needs to check the cam belt too because if that goes it's a head rebuild at the very least.

I start the repairs tomorrow, a full 20 years since my last major home repair so wish me luck.

K-seal is for crooks that sell defect cars ... don't bother with it.

Edited by Renault Owner on 12/01/2011 at 23:09

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