Hi all,

I drive a left hand drive 2001 Vanden Plas (without a supercharger sadly)

My father has owned this car since forever, and he recently got a new car because this one overheated while driving it. The shop was going to charge him $1500 to fix the antifreeze leak, so he just decided to get a new car.

I found the main leak, the plastic T-Valve off of the heater hose/"octopus hose" and throttle body. I replaced that, it was fairly easy. Just had to remove the expansion tank and the throttle body to gain access to the t-valve. The valve was only $7.50 off ebay (NNE3944BA). So that is not leaking anymore.

I noticed another leak after getting it all back together from the expansion tank. More specifically the level sensor. There's not supposed to be coolant coming from there (I don't think. It's supposed to be dry in there right?), so I assume the crack is on the inside of the tank on the level sensor casing somewhere. I ordered a new expansion tank from Amazon for $124.50 (MNC4400AC) and will put that on next week.

Is there anything else I should be watching out for? Any other reasons why the car would have overheated other than it being low on coolant? Anything I should check into? I noticed yesterday while driving that it got a little hot while idling, but after the engine cooled down I opened the expansion tank and it was very low again. I think the leak in the expansion tank got worse after I fixed the other leak because it's now the weakest link. Also, because I cleaned some dirt out of it when I took off the expansion tank to replace the t-valve.

Also, the coolant fans run after I turn off the car for about 2 minutes. I assume this should stop after I get the leaks fixed, but I'm not sure.

Thank you,
Aaron out of Nashville

 

Welcome to the forums Aaron,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to X308 forum. This is the place to post technical questions about your model.

Graham

 

If the radiator fans run after the engine is shut off, the cause is most likely a sticking thermostat. A sticking thermostat can also cause the engine to overheat.

After a cold soak, preferably overnight, use a cooling system pressure tester to pressurise the system to 1 bar. If the pressure starts to drop, check for leaks around hoses and radiator side tanks.

 

Just thought I'd update you. It was the Thermostat. Thank you! Had to replace the "octopus hose" and the expansion tank as well. It's back up and running with no overheating issues