What Can Cause the Radiator to Explode?

[GRSHOPR]

Like the title says. Most of the coolant was boiling out through the reservoir from severe pressure, and when I revved the motor, I could hear what sounded like a bird chirping as it decelerated, and then this happened....



Is the water pump the culprit? I replaced the thermostat and the radiator cap prior to this happening.

[KeithMac]

Waterpump, massive air lock or head gasket failure..

[GRSHOPR]

How can the head gasket failure cause this? Wouldn't there be coolant in the exhaust? And where could such an airlock be?

[KeithMac]

Depends, normally cylinder pressure breaches the head gasket and pressurises the cooling system.

Rule everything else out first though!.

Were the fans on and radiator hot when this happend?, it could have overheated due to fan failure?. The car needs airflow over the radiators when stationary and if the fans are not working it will overheat.

[GRSHOPR]

The fans definitely work, that I've confirmed. I replaced the thermostat and radiator cap too.

This all started when I accidentally grabbed the wrong bottle of antifreeze and dumped pure antifreeze into the system. Halfway to Kansas City, it started overhearing, and I drove 5-7 miles on it til I realized what was happening. It definitely dumped all the coolant on the highway. Everything seemed to be fine, but everything was definitely steaming/smoking. Got it towed home, replaced the above parts, and the oil/filter, as the oil was smoking too.

I've ordered a 60k tune up kit, and a new Mishimoto rad with all accompanying accessories, but I'm wondering what the most likely actual cause is, rather than guessing, which will cost me more time and money, if I'm wrong. I honestly have no experience with this type of issue, as my car knowledge is self taught, and from what I can tell, there are multiple possible causes, and I don't know how to exclude the different possibilities.

[GRSHOPR]

Ok, did a coolant combustion gas test, and nada. That liquid stayed true and blue. I did notice, however, that I could hear what almost sounded like a screw or bolt rattling around not entirely sure where, maybe by the coolant housing, but it could be traveling down the transfer tube from the water pump. Can anyone weigh in on the likelihood that it's the pump?