Hi guys,

Left me in a right muddle this!

Driving home this evening, and all of a sudden noticed the temp gage shoot right up to MAX, and the warning light lit up. Wasn't caining it, just a 25 mile motorway run at a steady 60mph.

Pulled over and there was steam coming from everywhere. temp came straight back down after about 2 mins of the engine being turned off, the fan was going.

There was signs of coolant around the intercooler, like something had blasted it all over the engine bay.

The inside of the bumper was soaked at the bottom, underneath the radiator.

Got it home (I was only 500 yards away), let it cool for about 10 mins, and checked the resevior, which was obviousuly empty. I filled it full of water and it didn't seem to be coming out anywhere. after 5 mins, no signs of leaks. I switched the engine on for about 2 mins. again no leaks, and no white smoke from the exhaust.

Anybody got any ideas what it could be? To be honest, I hadn't checked my coolant for about 2 months, so I have no idea how low it was before this evening.

Thanks in advance guys! I'm about ready to trade it in for a bloody Kia!!!

Perhaps a stuck thermostat or a stones got the rad?
I dont think they do a Kia S Works to replace it with?

Keep an eye on coolant level and temp gauge for a few days and check underneath for leaks whenever parked, ideally get it checked out/pressure tested at a garage unless you are good with diy mechanics.......as said thermostat, the rad or a hose may have a leak and there may now be air in the system as the level dropped so low, go carefully until sorted.

Mine did this maybe a dozen times until eventually the seal on the waterpump finally blew.... and I had a nice pretty waterfall coming out the front of my engine :(

Same deal. Would leak all its coolant contents, then top up and no leaks. Scratching your head going "Where did all this coolant come out??"

Yeahhhh...

Turned out to be a hose that burst :-(

Could have been worse though, at least it happened close to home, and touch wood, no other damage as a result.

Coulnd't have mended it myself, most of the front end had to come off the car to get at it.... total cost £127.

Ill consider myself lucky, pay the mechanic and accept it as part of my current run of bad luck!

Great to have it back though! Despite it ruining my life bi-monthly, its a f**cking top car!

Thats great, at least you can forget about the KIA idea now then for while ??

Even if she gets REALLY hot, as long as it cools down before you fill it up, and after it holds pressure, the head & gasket should be fine.