Just to let people know, the problem with my car overheating that showed all signs of a thermostat problem wasn't in fact a thermostat problem at all!!!

The problem was due to the engine repeatedly air locking because air was entering the system through a knackered water pump. Thanks to Tom and Nick and everyone else that helped, I didn't need the photo's after all Tom but I'll definitely keep them for another time. Thanks. Another Bravo forum success!

People might be want to know that I'm not actually having to pay for the repairs myself! I took out parts and labour cover with the AA (only a couple of quid a month) and they're going to folk the bill and I only have to pay £25!! Sounds too good to be true? That's what I thought but true to their word they're paying. I don't know exactly how much it's gonna cost but I doubt I'd have seen much change from 200 quid……Bonus!! I don't have to sacrifice my beer quota afterall!!

Jim

Cool! Glad to hear it was the prob I suspected and that its now being fixed.

Re: Re: Thermostat problem wasn't a thermostat problem!

Tom

You said it was a thermostat problem. You never mentioned the water pump!

Anyway, lets hope its sorted now. It never suprises me how obscure these mechanical problems can be.

Nick

Re: Re: Re: Thermostat problem wasn't a thermostat problem!

No, I said it didn't sound like a stat prob but was probably an air lock or leak.



Re: marea overheating ( intermitant) June 9 2003, 11:16 AM

Sounds like there is a leak somewhere, air is getting in as the system cools down causing an airlock. As its behaving once its boiled the first time its probably not the head gasket.

First thing would be to do the usual thing and let drive as normal and then let it cool completely. Then take the top rad hose off and see how much water is in it.

Id then do a full drain, flush and refill, making sure to bleed both the rad and heater bleed points fully.

I doubt it is thermostat as it would not return to normal. Your symptoms indicate airlock as if there is no water in the thermostat housing a) the temp guage won't work and b) the stat won't open.

Have fun!

Re: Re: Re: Re: Thermostat problem wasn't a thermostat problem!

Wrong car mate! This is Jims Bravo, not a Marea.


I hope this isn't a trend of Fiats starting to overheat, they do seem to be cropping up more regularly now.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Thermostat problem wasn't a thermostat problem!

DOH, OK.

Same prob though.

I did repy with:

Sounds like the airlock is still there. Its probably worth checking the stat anyway.

The post was actually a different one.

It was posted originally on the 28th May and I think it's on page seven of the forum titled "does this sound like a thermostat problem" Both of you were very helpful in giving the possible causes of the problem and i really appreciate it. You saved me not only time and money aswell.

I initially bled the system and that solved the problem for a couple of weeks. It was only a very small leak and that's why it's taken so long to find out what was causing it - Especially as you can't physically see the water dripping from the water pump!

Thanks again.

Jim.

Re: Re: Thermostat problem wasn't a thermostat problem!

There is alot in the way of waterpumps now. Did the shaft seal go?

Re: Re: Thermostat problem wasn't a thermostat problem!

Just being mischievous!

Whatever the problem was I'm glad you've got it sorted, and thanks for coming back with the answer. Presumably water pumps are easy to fit? or is it a nightmare like Toms description of the thermostat removal.

Nick

Re: Re: Re: Thermostat problem wasn't a thermostat problem!

Look down the side of the engine with the drive belts on, its down there somewhere.