Engine cooling issue

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Engine cooling issue

Eddy83

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Hi guys

I'm a new member although not new to Fiat and looking for a little bit of advice if possible.

When driving my Punto 1.2 8v 2002 model, the temp gauge climbs to just below red, fans kick in and keep it from the red light coming on.

Have checked coolant level and is fine. Checked oil and no signs of any issues there. No grey smoke from exhaust and otherwise car running fine, no abnormal fuel consumption/other issues.

I've read many threads and it seems to attract a contrast of opinions, is there anything I can try myself before taking it in to a garage? Have contacted a few garages and they cannot give a definitive fault; all seem to want to replace one part at a time on a 'trial and error' basis.

Any help would be much appreciated! :)
 
Hi guys

I'm a new member although not new to Fiat and looking for a little bit of advice if possible.

When driving my Punto 1.2 8v 2002 model, the temp gauge climbs to just below red, fans kick in and keep it from the red light coming on.

Have checked coolant level and is fine. Checked oil and no signs of any issues there. No grey smoke from exhaust and otherwise car running fine, no abnormal fuel consumption/other issues.

I've read many threads and it seems to attract a contrast of opinions, is there anything I can try myself before taking it in to a garage? Have contacted a few garages and they cannot give a definitive fault; all seem to want to replace one part at a time on a 'trial and error' basis.

Any help would be much appreciated! :)


Hi, and welcome, :)
airlocks are common I'm afraid, :eek:
worth spending 1/2 hour dumping coolant into a tray, open the bleed nipples on hoses into firewall, and put heater on MAX, then slowly refill , closing bleed nipples as the level makes them dribble,

should be covered in the GUIDES too, ;)https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-mk2-2b-guides/347158-coolant-renewal.html
Charlie
 
Last edited:
Hi, and welcome, :)
airlocks are common I'm afraid, :eek:
worth spending 1/2 hour dumping coolant into a tray, open the bleed nipples on hoses into firewall, and put heater on MAX, then slowly refill , closing bleed nipples as the level makes them dribble,

should be covered in the GUIDES too, ;)
Charlie

Hi Charlie, thank you for your help. Got to the point I was going to undo the bottom hose and realised that there seems to be a small leak, excess coolant on the sill at the bottom of the engine bay. Had a good feel around and it appears to be the coolant tank underside. Will have a nosey on here how to remove and replace and go from there. Thank you :)
 
Hi Eddy83,
-Have your checked any leakage in your cooling system. If your vehicle overheats in normal weather and traffic you may need to add liquid to the system, replace the thermostat, adjust or replace the accessory belt or check the water pump.
- It may also due to pressure cap. Sometimes the gasket on the cap deteriorates and lets pressure escape which causes the cooling system to malfunctioning.
- If your ignition system is malfunctioning, late timing may be causing your vehicle to overheat, because the spark plugs are firing the fuel, after the piston moves back down from the top of its stroke.
- It may also due to collapsing bottom hose.
- Check the oil level also.
 
Mk2 punto group would have been a better place to put this post - as no everyone wonders on the forum

ANYWAY

Common issues - Airlocked system, causing lack of flow, Either from recent work OR - a leak letting air in

Loss of coolant no signs where - Rarely heater matrix, often HG or a super slow leak it burns off on engine before you can see it

Stuck Stat - Stats on putno's DO go lazy, and get stuck or dont regulate well, fit a high quality part, as lots of cheap ones fail quickly again

Failing water pump - Not as common, but if the pumps detached from the spindle, you have no coolant flow = quick to overheat

Blockage - Used a product recently? Like K-seal? Rad Weld?
They dont tend to fix the leak but block the tiny tubes which is the radiator tbh

Ziggy
 
Your symptom is typical of a clogged or bad radiator. Check the fins that are between the cooling tubes. Move your hand over each row. I think youy'll find some that are loose and can move between the tubes. If the fins are okay I would backflush the radiator.
 
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