Water pressure

[andy b]

Hi i have a 1.9 tdi 02 galaxy ghia when driving sometimes i get a temperature warning light (looks like a thermometer) on the dash board and a warning to check coolant level, ihave to pull over and release the pressure in the cooling system some times it will need a bit more water other times when the water runs back into the filler bottle it is full sometimes water has escaped from the cap under pressure, the pressure remains in the system for days after use and is only released after removing the filler cap. There is no pattern as to when it will happen i could go half a mile or recently went from portsmouth to blackpool without any problem but it seems to happen more over 70mph also the heater seems to have a mind of its own deciding for its self when to blow hot or cold. I have also developed a noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds but this disappears when the engine is revved up a bit

[Chrispb]

Hello Andy B 

Now for the bad news excess pressure and fluctuating coolant level and loss of coolant erratic heater is almost certainly head gasket failure or worst case cracked head.

It could be water pump failure that has caused this as they did have a problem with impeller slipping on shaft or even breaking off altogether, this can be checked by removing thermostat and feeling back of pump

There is also and auxiliary water pump (run on pump) to aid circulation this is located behind fuel filter.

Noise on steering check alternator clutch pulley for correct operation.

if you need to know more just ask, also do a search on here as there is a lot of info already written.