Boiling Coolant in Expansion Tank

[937carrera]

Not always, depends how bad....... it's a more direct test...... but we're all hoping it's just the cap, alternate diagnostic fork in the road

[kevtherev]

There's no mention of the radiator fan..(unless I missed that)
Did it come on at all?

[MidLifeCrisis]

Bit of a (good news) update!!
Happened across a chap with a very nice T25 who I guessed might be a bit partial to a bit of tinkering and dragged him away from his dinner to help me out; he sacrificed his dalek cap to test on my van and eventually we (ie he) diagnosed a stuck thermostat; RAC chap turned up today - diagnosis agreed - and we decided to remove it to get us home!! So success hopefully - thanks to all for input and excellent help as usual;
Will let you know how we get on getting home - watch this space .....

Cheers all!!

[itchyfeet]

diagnosed a stuck thermostat.

That is reported to be rare, usually stats stick open.

get yourself a quality replacement

[MidLifeCrisis]

diagnosed a stuck thermostat.

That is reported to be rare, usually stats stick open.

get yourself a quality replacement

Don’t spoil my delusions of success!

[itchyfeet]

Don’t spoil my delusions of success!

[937carrera]

20 minutes or so on tickover and the engine should be up to temperature, give it another 10 and it should not be overheating and the fan should be on

I assume you do want to test the diagnosis before setting off for home on Sunday

[kevtherev]

Put the suspect in a pan of boiling water see if it opens

[Oldiebut goodie]

Isn't that tantamount to torture?