Hi all.
I have an 03 Vectra SXI, with the petrol 2.2 direct engine. I have developed a random water loss problem, that starts with steam coming out of the bonnet, left and right.
But, by the time I stop the car and get out and have a look, the steam has gone and the header tank has gone down and the 'low water' light comes on. I have checked everywhere. I have topped up the water and left the car running for a long while on idle, but no water or steam. Something I have noticed though is it seems to take time for the temperature guage to start moving, like 3 miles. It runs, usually, just below middle of the gauge. And when I get the water loss and steam, the gauge seems to go down a bit.
I don't appear to have any water in the oil and no oil in the header tank. I have run the engine with the header tank cap off and there are a few slight bubbles, but just seems to be normal circulation and water simmering. My guess is something is causing a random loss of water and the water is going onto the exhaust manifold, but where from, I do not know.
I did think water pump, but there is definitely no water on the road. And I did have a water pump changed a couple of years ago and there was water everywhere when it went, so because of this experience, I am ruling it out.
Thanks. 🙁