Rom 0 Posted March 26, 2006 Hi I just wanted to check with the masses. I got a 1.9 gti, and sometimes it appears to be steaming from the grill. At this point, id like to point out im a mechanic, and feel a bit silly for posting this ! Ive always just put it down to temp difference from rad to outside air. Its only noticable when sitting still ofc. Its not getting too hot, its not losing or using above average coolant. It also pressure tests fine. I just wanted to know what u guys thought really. Its not so cold that i can see my breath, but then the rad is hotter than my mouth ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonD6B 0 Posted March 26, 2006 If it's doing it in the wet it could well be condensation. If it's in the dry in average temperatures then if it's not burning off oil/grease within in engine bay it could possibly be a hairline crack in the rad. perhaps? It doesn't take much water capacity to produce plenty of steam. Could it be breather smoke over coolant steam? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rom 0 Posted March 26, 2006 Im pretty sure its steam not smoke, it dissapates very fast. I havent really looked into it much, as i always just assumed it was just from the temp difference. Ill do another pressure test tom at work, as last one was a while ago. I hope it isnt anything drastic. I was hoping it would hold together while i decide on/source a new engine to rebuild and balance etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eob 7 Posted March 26, 2006 Mine does the same thing [1.6]. I happen to think it looks cool, so I haven't done anything about it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahl 4 Posted March 26, 2006 The worst it could be is a crack in the radiator and a new one only costs £50 so I wouldn't worry. Also all the 205's i've seen love to steam from the grille when its raining. Mine does it more when I drive over big puddles. I think patches23 almost got pulled out of her car once for this, with someone thinking it was on fire! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jim205GTI 3 Posted March 26, 2006 I think patches23 almost got pulled out of her car once for this, with someone thinking it was on fire! This almost happened to me too!! Sat at the lights car is steaming away....car pulls up alongside, all the passengers pointing at the car but still i sit in there, one of them jumps outs opens my door and says " you know your car's smoking!!" i just laughed and said it was just the steam from the dodgy radiator! he didn't know what to say , i said thank you for letting me know though My rad is awful so many holes but i am too much of a tightwad Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kenan 0 Posted March 26, 2006 I am a child, despite my real age inside I'm about 12. This causes me to drive through puddles (any I can find) which results in steam coming from the rad/grill. I my case it's just the water evaporating and is the only time it happens Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eob 7 Posted March 27, 2006 I reckon mines using a tiny bit of water somewhere [not surprising with 140k on the clock ] but I happen to think the screech to a halt with steam bellowing out is hella cool. Makes me look like the friggin' A-Team or something... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
