Blimey! Bizarre cooling system fault - speechless! (pics)

[Nuclear_Tom]

So, I bought a Polo 1.6 cheap as the owner suspected head gasket failure. I didn't think there was a problem with the gasket so I bought it hoping for a quick, cheap fix.

After working on the car yesterday and today, I can 100% say the car is running perfect, and all I needed was a thermostat, stat housing and a water pump. But why? Have a look at the photos below, and post up your theories!!! (Mars bar to the winner. )

I wont add captions to the photos just yet... This could be fun.

[SteveB]

Somebody thought it was a good idea to use gravel as a replacement for water?! 'Gravel is normally cold isn't it!?'

Looks like it could have been like that for a while. Not good. Are you doing the cambelt & tensioner whilst everything is off?

New one looks nice and shiney

[Nuclear_Tom]

It only overheated the once. Been sat up for 6 months since - thats when I bought it. It runs so nice now, lovely and smoooooth! Its a smashing engine!

Yep, done the cambelt and tensioners too - be daft not to!

[SteveB]

Oh oh I spotted something, the inpellor (sp?) is backwards.

Or was that you before taking the pics?

[Nuclear_Tom]

Oh oh I spotted something, the inpellor (sp?) is backwards.

Or was that you before taking the pics?

Thats me, not even close mate.

[SteveB]

Well I can see the housing was cracked/broken so it should have pissed water everywhere.

Whats the bit thats look like a cigarette lighter? Some sort of valve?

[Nuclear_Tom]

Well I can see the housing was cracked/broken so it should have pissed water everywhere.

Whats the bit thats look like a cigarette lighter? Some sort of valve?

Ah, the pump casting was smashed by me taking it out. The cigarette lighter is a thermostat. Warmer!