My problem is that my wife's Punto has started overheating whilst town driving - especially if stuck in traffic. The temperature goes way up towards the red zone. There's no problem with motorway driving. The fan comes on fine - top and bottom pipes are both very warm (does this indicate that water is flowing normally?) - the coolant level is fine with no leaks at all.
Anyone have any ideas?

Many thanks
Steve

Hi again - my wife has just told me that there *IS* a problem with motorway driving. If she sits at 50mph in 5th gear then there's no problem but any faster then it overheats!!
Steve

Check that the system has no air pockets by using the bleed screws. Otherwise it could be a faulty thermostat (not opening fully) or a radiator in need of a good flush out.

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/
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Well put, Pete.

Another possible is the waterpump - lost blades or "loose" impeller.

Thanks v. much for the info folks - our local garage has said the cylinder head gasket is likely to have blown but I wasn't convinced - I'll try the things you said tomorrow.
cheers
Steve

Check all your radiator hoses, if the radiator hose from your engine to the radiator (which is also connected to the thermostat) is colder than the others the thermostat has more than likely seized as mine did on my sei.
I also had problems with overheating and it was this.

"The Not so Fast but Furious"
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