Hi, I was driving from Albany to Perth recently and one of my heat pipes from the radiator split. I managed to get home (by trailer) and replaced the hose, but for some reason now I have a few problems:

1. Water spits out of the radiator cap instead of being sucked in properly.
2. If, when idling, i rev it a bit, it loses power after a few moments. so if i push the accelerator down for 10 seconds or so, eventually the power drops to idle again even if accelerator is still down. (Not sure if this is just because it's in park)
3. When i let the accelerator off the engine conks out

any help appreciated!

Possibly blown head gasket for some of the symptoms

Possibly blown head gasket for some of the symptoms

I would agree. Compression pressure is causing excessive pressure in the cooling system. Also can cause water to spit out of the tail pipe. You could get the cooling system pressure tested, or tested for the presence of carbon monoxide (exhaust gas) in the coolant. As a DIY exercise you can pull out the spark plugs, water in the cylinder will leave a red/brown rusty stain on the plug, and it will tell you which bank is affected if you have the v6.

Some more info please. Model and engine. Where exactly was the hose split

Sorry, TF 1997 6 cylinder 3 litre automatic

Yeh i replaced a few old heater hoses because one was leaking and it seemed better for a bit, but now it's overheating (without the temp gauge telling me so, the sensor must be rusted or damaged) and bubbles are still coming up through the radiator. I'm pretty sure it is a head gasket. Only problem now is that most places are closed this week before christmas and the only ones that aren't are too far for me to drive without overheating again. I'm trying to find a call-out mechanic now (but that won't help if it is a cracked head, and i'll just be wasting my money).

If you have done the gasket then the heads need to come off and the gasket needs to be replaced. The heads will also need to be inspected for damage and cracking. There is a chance that coolant would have contaminated your engine oil which can lead to further problems. Stay off the road and get it checked out ASAP.