Help - advice required - bubbling coolant

[jkming]

Hi guys
Down in the south west on a public holiday weekend and noticed the coolant boiling and bubbling from the reservoir after a 20 minute drive this morning. Temp gauge isn't exceeding the normal middle temp, but it was moving around below middle position which I haven't noticed before.

I have read it could be as simple as a radiator cap.

Car is running ok besides that but I am cautious about driving it home at the risk of overheating the engine. There aren't any mechanics open close by so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Nanook]

It may be a simple case of air in your system. Check that all your hoses are tight and no splits. Take off your radiator cap and start your engine, if there is air in the system this should burp it. Run the engine until the coolant settles down and there is no more air bubbling up.

While your cap is off just check the seal for any damage or dirt that may be stopping it from sealing tight when you put the cap back on.

[LeighP]

As above, but do it from cold and let it warm up.....ie, don't pull a hot cap off the rad.

[Cherokee30D]

Two things jump to mind. Thermostat or head gasket.

Cheers, Craig

[rang0]

I found one time with a previous car there was no water in the motor to activate the temp sensor so the car was boiling over while it was showing the normal temp. Make sure you have water before you start it again. Apparently you can start the car with the cap off when the radiator is full and if it spits out the top you have a cracked head.

Sent from my SM-J100Y using Aussie Jeep Offroad mobile app

[Nanook]

Originally Posted by LeighP

As above, but do it from cold and let it warm up.....ie, don't pull a hot cap off the rad.

Thanks Leigh,

I probably should have added that bit in my post.