I've recently noticed the car (97 HGT) has been running at high temperatures. Water's been checked but no problems there. Anyone know if it's a common problem with the HGT and any ideas on fixing it?

Radiator

Get your radiator flow tested. Old, clogged radiators lead to higher running temperatures.

Also check the operation of the thermostat and the correct switching on of the fan(s)

Untitled

Hopefully Nick's suggestions will highlight the problem. If they check out then the answer maybe more involved eg. head gasket. Probably not too expensive but it's a lot more hassle.

I'll keep my fingers crossed

Cheers

over heating

A 97 car (depending on the mileage - i'm guessing its got around 50,000 on the clock) should not have a head gasket go. Obviously if it's done 150,000 fair enough.

If it's over heating the first thing to chnage would be the electric fan switch (screws into the rad), as these tend to go on almost all cars. It's cheap and if it isn't the problem you haven't laid out loads on a new rad or something silly.

My thoughts, but I haven't had such a problem before.

HGT running temp

cheers for the suggestions - i've had them checked though and they're fine. the car has only just covered 30k so i didn't expect any probs. on all journeys though the temp gauge usually gets over midway - surely not usual?