1997 960 wagon spits back added coolant

anglia · Post by **anglia** » 19 Jul 2015, 08:36

Drove San Diego to Palm Springs, hot day, and coolant warning light came on. Reservoir was empty so added water (no antifreeze available).
After a minute or two it spits back the water out of the reservoir.

Now it is showing the light after about 10 or 12 miles and have to refill. No signs of overheating so .......??? Will buy and add coolant today.

But, am wondering if to drive home, in stages, or stay over and get it checked?

Ethan Rode · Post by **Ethan Rode** » 20 Jul 2015, 01:06

Please clarify what you mean by "spits out of the reservoir"

You either have a cracked reservoir, a leaking hose, or a bad reservoir cap. It shouldn't be too difficult to diagnose. Don't waste money on antifreeze until you've got it fixed.

I'd advise against driving the car in this condition. Engine damage can happen quickly, quicker than the temp gauge can react. Why risk it?