Fiat Spider 2000 Overheating?

[?][?] Hi, I'm new here and hope I'm posting in the right place. If not please email me and let me know since I, most likely, will not be able to find this wonderful site again. Anyway, when moving on the highway, even in the 90 degree temperature we are experiencing, my temp gage shows normal. If I stop and idle for only one minute the temp gauge will go all the way to red. Same thing if I just start the car and let it sit for a moment or so. The hubby removed the temp control lead/s and put them to ground and they make the meter go to the red (he says this is good). When the car has only been running for a few moments the temp gauge goes in the red but I can still touch the radiator with my hand. I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions you may have and please email your responses to me at: echord@kimbanet.com . Hey, thanks in advance for your expert help. :):):):)[?]

Owner of a 1982 Fiat 2000

Hi Naomi!

First, bookmark this: www.fiatforum.com/forum - then you won't forget us ever again!

I'm not a mechanic so I'm probably talking rubbish here :)

Does the engine feel hot when this happens? Anyone who has had an engine overheat will know too well the hot oil smell which is characteristic. If not, then it could be the temperature sender unit, but I'm baffled as to why you only have the problem at idle ...

The other thing to check is the radiator. Does it ever get hot? If not, then you could have a water pump problem or blocked cooling system, but again if it only happens at idle … hmm.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. If your husband has already checked the gauge in the way you mentioned then he's probably checked all these things anyway. There are plenty of people here who are much more technically competent than me so I hope you get some help!

Oh, and welcome to the madhouse that is the Fiat Forum :D

STEVE - the almost geriatric, NOS guzzling Panda owner and beagle fanatic ...

Could be a number of things, try flushing the radiator and changing the thermostat.
When you come round to refill it make sure you choose the antifreeze/summer coolant that will match the temperature over in good ol' Uncle Sam :D

My Car is now for sale, A total one-off, head turning bargin!!!

I'm told by the parts store (two of them) that the thermostat is $150.00 (US). Does this sound correct? :(

Owner of a 1982 Fiat 2000

Well it might be as its a classic car, try doing a search on the net for other places.

My Car is now for sale, A total one-off, head turning bargin!!!

You more than likely have air in the system. There is a proper way to flush and refill the radiator. Not sure if everything is ok now but if you are still having the problem e-mail me and I will send you the correct procedure on filling the radiator. As far as thermostats go, if you have the external one it is only about $50.00. I know a couple vendors that sell this item. Bruces fiatparts.com and vick-auto.com Give these a try, I am sure they have them in stock.

i agree , i thought i was having thermo problems too ,it was acting the same way but come to find out it was just an air pocket and international has pretty much whatever youd need for your car at a great price

I believe your electric cooling fan is not working. Most likely it is the temperature sensor which has failed. This happened on my old X1/9. It's easy to trace the wiring from the fan to the switch, which is also located on the radiator. Once the fan is working again, you will be all set and it should only cost you a few dollars.