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2000 Ford Fiesta Engine Coolant

Tiny
MARKHARDY08
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD FIESTA
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 48,000 MILES
During a 30/40mile drive yesterday, I noticed steam starting to appear from my engine and subsequent warning light on my dashboard. Consequently I pulled over and lifted the bonnet to check the problem - I noticed that the steam was coming from the engine coolant, which was an inch or so below the minimum level. As it was still very hot - I waited for it to cool before adding water to top it up to between minimum and maximum. Since it has been working fine and have driven 30 or so miles.
I have only had the car for a number of weeks, so do you think it may have been sold with little enginge coolant in - or that I have a leak?
Thanks
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Thursday, September 25th, 2014 AT 2:07 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,755 POSTS
You can't draw any conclusions on the coolant level being a little high or low. An inch one way or the other is nothing. As long as the reservoir wasn't completely empty, the engine was full of coolant.

Of concern is where the steam was coming from and whether the engine was overheating. It could run hot because the radiator fan wasn't turning on. That would not cause a problem at highway speeds because natural air flow would keep the engine cool. There could be a small hole in a hose. The cylinder head gasket could be leaking. There's a chemical test your mechanic can perform at the radiator to check for that.
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Thursday, September 25th, 2014 AT 2:20 AM
Tiny
MARKHARDY08
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks very much for the reply.
The steam was coming from the engine coolant container itself if that helps at all? Nothing has happened since, but I guess that could be more by luck than anything? I'll take it to the garage and see what they say however.
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Thursday, September 25th, 2014 AT 2:31 AM

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