Finally got an R - with lots of issues!

[Matthews 855 T5]

Hello

We picked up a 1996 855 R auto, it's MOT'd and runs well for 200,000 miles and has a complete interior with all the right details.

Basically, it's worth more in parts but looking at the huge pile if receipts and invoices we think there's a decent car hiding beneath the grime and 'little' problems!

My brother is very keen to restore it sympathetically. We've put new discs and pads on and cleaned the callipers, which don't look like Volvo ones. The suspension bushes and A arms have been changed. Ball joints and track rods are good and the rack was replaced when the rear main seal was done, previous owner spent £1400 on the last service.

Our first problem is the cooling system. It is overpressurising. Possibly time for the head off but there is no trace of gases in the coolant nor water in the oil. Don't want to rebuild the head until we know for sure it's the head gasket.

What causes the coolant to over pressurise?

Matt

[deathrider311271]

hi

the first things i would do is back flush the system and change the thermostat and go from there

cheers

simon

[Matthews 855 T5]

Originally Posted by deathrider311271

hi

the first things i would do is back flush the system and change the thermostat and go from there

cheers

simon

Thanks, it has a new radiator/transmission cooler and thermostat. We drained out the coolant and thermostat and renewed the firewall connector. I am wondering if the heater matrix is blocked or there is air in the system.
Matt

[deathrider311271]

hi

ok in that case when u refilled the system did u make sure the heater was on hot and fan on full power? if not this can cause air locks

cheers

simon

[scr8pdo]

Definatly try for air locks and blockages before you strip the head off, are the heaters getting hot when engine is up to temp?, does car overheat, does the cooling rad fan kick in, check oil for water contamination, you may already know but the dipstick tube often has mayonaisse in due to condensation and may falsely point towards a head gasket

[andrewc1267]

my mate had the same problem on an ex police v70 and it turned out to the expansion bottle cap the valve in the cap was knackered poss worth trying as they can only be cheap

[RollingThunder]

Yep, the caps are prone to failure. I changed mine as a matter of course when I bought my 850R - the later cap is green and is less prone to failure. I have a spare (used) one if you want it? You can have it for postage cost if you like - I was going to chuck it out anyway

Shame you've changed the discs already - did you fit 302s or put the std 280s on? The 302s are cheap upgrades from Rufe and make a notable difference.

[walbor]

Expansion cap first-I had this problem on a BMW-the guy I bought it off had changed the radiator,thermostat,waterpump and gave up,I paid £300 quid for it and a tenner later it was fine.

It could also be a cracked head with water leaking into the cylinders-any white steam coming from the exhaust?

[Matthews 855 T5]

We've thrown away the old grey cap. Replaced with a new green cap. We flushed out the radiator which despite being a few months old was still spewing out crud.

We refilled it slowly and let it run to temp. I let it run without it's cap for 5 mins and it gurgled a lot. I let the top hose leak out some water and air then refastened it.

It is running great it never over heated or ran too hot. The coolant level stays the same.

Now to look at the motor. Like all R's and T5's it uses a bit of oil. Just working out how much but it has done 200k miles.

Matt

[patchis]

Originally Posted by Matthews 855 T5

We've thrown away the old grey cap. Replaced with a new green cap. We flushed out the radiator which despite being a few months old was still spewing out crud.

We refilled it slowly and let it run to temp. I let it run without it's cap for 5 mins and it gurgled a lot. I let the top hose leak out some water and air then refastened it.

It is running great it never over heated or ran too hot. The coolant level stays the same.

Now to look at the motor. Like all R's and T5's it uses a bit of oil. Just working out how much but it has done 200k miles.

Matt

Just run in nicely now then :-)