Overheating Problems

[pompeyben]

Hi Guys/esses,

I've had my 172 for the massive period of 6 days and its overheated on me. The STOP light and the Engine STOP light came on last night on the way home. The temperature guage had gone right up. I stopped the car in a side road where it still sits now. At the time I had no lighting to check the levels etc. I've been back to the car and checked it, the oil looks fine, the coolant level is very low.

Questions:
1. Can I stick water in it to get it home? (approx 5 min drive)

2. Is it easy to do a transplant of coolant with new? I'm loath to buy a full load of coolant to find I have a leak and have wasted my money.

Any help gratefully received!

Thanks

Ben

 

[Dash]

I've been in a similar situation.

My cylinder head gasket had blown. Melted pistons, warped head etc.

Tow it home or relay to be on the safe side and lessen any further damage.

 

[pompeyben]

Thats the odd part, the engine was running fine and smooth.

Perhaps I'm just grasping at straws in the hope its not going to cost a mint to fix.

 

[pompeyben]

Hoorah! A radiator hose had split, not a head gasket. Thank god for that.