temp gauge goes up in ten minutes to red on a 1980 fiat spider, check all fluids when i pulled over and all is topped off fine. Problem might be???? need your help, water pump, theromstat, radiator cap, check hoses and they are fine, drove around the other day and it acted fine until stopped at a light and almost red lined again. Don't want to blown a head, need advice, or take it to a mechanic? Cheers!

Ok, I don't know the engine at all on this car - but I would hazard at guess a faulty water pump.

I would do various tests on it first though. Does it have an electric fan, is that kicking in when it should? Pressure test the cooling system to show any leaks. Compression test the cylinders to check for leaky gasket. Is there any oil in the water, or mayo round the oil filler cap - any other signs of a blown head gasket?

Is there cooling system bled properly, it could be an air lock in the system - coolant will look fine, but if theres air trapped then its not going to be doing its job. I'm affriad ive no idea how to correctly bleed that engine.

Hope some of this helps!

is there a air lock? bubble or anything like that a guy i know with a punto had full water but a air bubble and it fried his head