MAHLE Technical Briefing Defective Expansion Tank Cap

Often, the cause of excessive coolant temperature is a defective cooling circuit causing engine overheating

When it comes to failure diagnostics, potential sources of mal-function should be systematically checked, and even a rather insignificant component should not be overlooked.

Here are a few common causes of excessive coolant temperature

• The thermostat is defective and no longer opens.

• The coolant pump is damaged, perhaps due to a defect on the
  pump wheel or sliding shroud

• The radiator is clogged, perhaps by external impurities and/or
  internal deposits or sealants.

• The cooling system isn’t properly ventilated (there is air trapped
  in the cooling circuit).

• The radiator fan is defective.

• The temperature sensor doesn’t work correctly and indicates incorrect temperature values.

• The temperature switch is defective and doesn’t trigger the radiator fan.

• The coolant hoses have kinks or constrictions.

A component that is often overlooked in engine overheating

A component that is often overlooked during troubleshooting engine overheating, although largely responsible for the correct coolant temperature, is the expansion tank cap. Most expansion tank caps are fitted with a valve that ensures the necessary pressure in the cooling system.

The opening pressure of this valve is precisely defined and is determined by the vehicle or engine. If this valve does not work correctly, not enough pressure is built up in the cooling system, the coolant starts boiling earlier, and the engine overheating If the expansion tank is cracked or has burst because of excessive pressure, not only the tank, but also its cap must be replaced.

Important!

When troubleshooting and engine overheating issue, the cap of the expansion tank should always be inspected both when it is warm and when it is cold; its valve should be tested for correct function by applying pressure.

Autoadvisor recommend that any trouble shooting for engine overheating and subsequent work should always be carried out by a fully qualified mechanic.

* Extracted from the MAHLE technical messenger *