Hi

Have just bought 1108 Sceicento which overheats badly. It seems that the previous owner put 1litre of oil in the water tank.

Before I rip the head off to do the gasket, which is my initial diagnosis, has anyone else got any thoughts. Car has had new rad and thermostat taken out, but still overheats.

Or, am I just better off replacing the engine and fitting new heater matrix?

"Previous owner" sure lol. (sorry couldn't resist). Cant help you with advice as i'm not really in the know but I's sure somebody will eventually. Welcome to the cinq club.

drain coolant and use a cooling system flush - worth a go

It was previous owner (female might I add - seems the header tank and the oil filler were just too close together).:nono:

Seems they've tried that (industrial strength no less) which helped a bit - It took about about 5mins longer to start cooking its self.

But thanks

If it was mine I'd:

replace thermostat
flush cooling system
re-fill and bleed

Does the fan kick in when the engine is up to temp?
Is the expansion bottle being presurised excessivly?

jenks69 said:

If it was mine I'd:

replace thermostat
flush cooling system
re-fill and bleed

Does the fan kick in when the engine is up to temp?
Is the expansion bottle being presurised excessivly?

Click to expand...

Fan kicks in oK, I think the pressure on the tank is excessive - this is what leads me to think head gasket.

Try compression test before you lift the head, if they are all similar then try a replacement thermostat, or try the stat first.

[edit oops reread OP if the stat has been removed, then you probably have a problem but make sure you bleed the system properly it will overheat, with an air lock...]

If you do lift the head you need to check the head is flat rather then just replace the gasket. Some people have an engineering shop flatten it for caution...

Noel