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TR2/3/3A TR3a Coolant Loss

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R

RonR

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Hi Folks.

This pass week, we were on a 1500 mile road trip in our TR3A.
Everything went well, including the engine temperature maintaining no more than 160 degrees (a 160 degree thermostat is installed).
About 45 miles from home, we were in construction traffic and sat still for several minutes. The engine temperature started to climb.
By the time we were moving again, the temperature was at over 200 degrees.
Withing a few minutes, we lost coolant, and ended up being towed home the final 45 miles home.

I looked under the hood while at the side of the highway, and did not see anything in the way of split or broker hoses.

The engine was rebuilt a couple of year ago, including all new hoses.
Could the elevated engine temperature caused a hose to fail?

Any suggestions on what may have failed within the cooling system?

Thanks.
Ron
 
Ron - just wondering out loud ... if the engine got so hot the coolant may have reached the overflow tube at the top of the radiator (near the cap).

Tom M.
 
Hi Tom.

Coolant was coming out of the vents in the hood near the windshield.
I doubt coolant from the overflow drain hose would have made its way that at up.

Thanks.
Ron
 
RonR said:
Hi Tom.

Coolant was coming out of the vents in the hood near the windshield.
I doubt coolant from the overflow drain hose would have made its way that at up.

Thanks.
Ron
Click to expand...
That sounds like a leak in the heater hose/valve or under the neck of the radiator. The fan will then splash it all over the engine compartment. If there’s enough, it may come out the hood slots as you mentioned.

Take a look at your oil… does it look creamy? If so, blown head gasket.
 
The logical thing to do is:
Open the hood.
Look for any obvious leaks.
If none seen, then remove the radiator cap and refill the radiator with water. Replace cap.
Look for leaks.
If none, then start the engine . And watch for leaks. Run engine either until a leak is found or 5 minutes.
Then ask your questions.
Charley
 
These cars only have a 4 psi cap which doesn't raise boiling the point very much. My guess is your coolant loss is a result of boiling. Once the coolant begins to boil, the cooling system basically stops functioning. I would refill the coolant, retorque the head, make sure the cap is functioning correctly, and drive on.
 
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