Evil Roy

Got a small problem. 1989 EA 3.9L MPI, auto.

Driving yesterday and without warning, the water low level light came on.

Pulled over & it seemed there was a leak under the intake manifold somewhere.

Had to wait a couple of hours until water could be delivered.

Refilled, restarted, and got about 5 mins / 8 Kms before the low level light came on again. Refilled, continued along for a little shorter distance. Then same again.

Last hop engine started to miss after initial start but then came good. I put this down to the water spraying onto the dizzy or leads.

The engine never got above normal temp, and did NOT drop to / near cold (no water condition).

Had to leave car on side of road.

I think it is a heater hose but I can't see clearly under the intake manifold.

I can get it towed in a couple of days, but I thought I might move it from it's roadside position.

I figure the best way is to refill cooling system but only put cap on a couple of turns. This means the system won't pressurise. Hopefully this will reduce the rate of water loss. Of course, the water will boil at a lower temp but starting from cold and keeping a close eye on the water temp. I think this is the best way to go a further distance.

Comments?

Evil Roy

no opinions?

Is the car likely to boil over?

I can't do the refill trick more than about twice because I run the risk of getting cold water in a hot block.