Celica radiator explosion :(

You probably want a new radiator cap as well, that's supposed to vent at a fixed pressure. If you're worried about the HG then a compression test should eliminate the stress.

Thanks Duncan,

Good point - I'll get a cap too.

For some stupid reason, I was thinking that a compression would not help for this ... how stupid :) - I obviously need to be more hand on as I've not really done that much techie stuff over the past 10 years : (

I have a push on type compression tester somewhere ... must go and dig it out.

Thanks again ... oh, and if anyone interested ... I was recovered by IC breakdown (=A329 cover) and recovered 40 miles all within 1.5 hours of the breakdown. Not needed them before but I was very impressed!

Cheers, Mark

probably just one of those things, new rad probably will come with a new cap, jap ones usually do

Thanks. Let's hope so :)

Old age is the most likely explanation. Having owned a couple of older Celicas, it would appear that radiator failure is not uncommon on Celicas of a similar age after 10-15 years. Both of mine had had new radiators. A '90 one before I bought it in 2002, and a '92 had just had one fitted before I bought it in 2004. Mike.

Happy with the old age explanation :)

Cheers, Mark

Had similar on an MX-5 with the lower rad tank separating due to old age. Didn't do any lasting damage, and the new rad came with a new cap. I don't think I've ever heard of a petrol toyota HG failing ...

Mike P

It will be worth checking the thermostat too. They tend to take a permanent set after an overheat and don't shut fully.

Thanks Mike ... that reassuring :)

Hi Peter - yes - thanks. Another good idea.

Cheers, Mark

Previas are notorious for it. Followed by cracking of the head itself.

GT4's will be needing them or have had them.

Older Supra's had lots of head gasket issues, the "fix" was a metal head gasket and block deck machining.