burst water pipe - lost engine coolant

[lufcraigyg]

Ok so i was driving along & noticed the water temperature suddenly rocket, as a consequence the engine management light comes on then before i knew it, BANG. What sounded like a gunshot with steam pouring out from the engine.

I was heading home at the time & was back within 2 minutes so it wasn't running for long after that.

On further inspection the water pipe had burst with no fluid at all left in the block. Fortunately the split only goes so far, the rest of the hose is in good condition so i could just cut it down & reconnect.

But firstly what damage if any is likely to be caused by this to the engine?

Secondly what could have caused the pipe to burst in the first place? Water temperature was fine when i left because the car is always warmed up before driving.

Lastly when replacing coolant I'm pretty sure i have air trapped inside because my heaters weren't warm so thinking drain the lot & start over?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[Donato]

Sounds like the system was never bled properly. That causes heat to rise very quick. If not done properly, like yours it's more than likely blown the head gasket. Check your fluids and check to see if you have any. Look out for a kind of mayonnaise substance in the oil.

It doesn't sound good though!

[Peter Gidden]

the water pipe had burst

the hose is in good condition

You'll have to be more specific.

What's actually damaged? A pipe? A hose? Which pipe or hose?

[lufcraigyg]

You'll have to be more specific.

What's actually damaged? A pipe? A hose? Which pipe or hose?

Sorry its a hose that runs just above the starter motor from the block into the firewall i believe, ill get a pic up tomorrow.

[Peter Gidden]

You'll have to be more specific.

What's actually damaged? A pipe? A hose? Which pipe or hose?

Sorry its a hose that runs just above the starter motor from the block into the firewall i believe, ill get a pic up tomorrow.

OK, that'll be a heater hose. Pressure in the cooling system can't exceed rad cap pressure, so it probably expired due to old age.

Replace the hose, and refill. Bleed properly before driving off.