Technical Overheating problem

[Sandy.l]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, I came across it when searching for info on my Punto's cooling system. I have a bit of a problem and wondering if anyone could help. My Punto 60s (97) has started overheating without warning, usually when stuck in traffic queues or travelling in slow-moving traffic.

I get steam pouring from the radiator cap, so I have to pull over, wait for the engine to cool down and then release the cap and refill it with water. I don't think the fan is coming on to cool the engine, but being a complete thicko when it comes to engines I know I'll probably need to take it in to a garage as I wouldn't know wherto start looking. I just wondered if anyone knew why the fan might not be working, if there could be any other reason (fuse or something that may be replaceable) and also whether it's going to be a really expensive job?

Much appreciated

Sandy

 

[MATT 68]

Have you had any work done recently on the car? as it may only be an air trap hopefully ! You certainly dont want it to be the head gasket . I,d tell you how to check the fans working but you did admit that youre lost looking at an engine!

 

[custard]

right 1st off all stop letting it over heat as it can turn into a blown headgasket
1st of all with the negine cold then turn the fan by hand to make sure its free and not jammed/seized.
could be a fuse and should be marked in the fuse box cover
next is more involved with running power to check the motor etc but try the 1st 2 bits

 

[Sandy.l]

Thanks guys for the replies. I didn't realise it could become so serious. I'll have a look and see if I can check the fan and find the fusebox and take it from there. I'll get it booked in and try and avoid using it too much till then.

Thanks again for replying

sandy

 

[MATT 68]

Dont Try and avoid using it, Do avoid using it ! When the orange light comes on , it doesnt mean stop soon, it means stop Now ! Once youre engine starts getting overheated things start cooking inside and consequently bend or warp in ley mens terms . Result= blown headgasket:bang: = loadsa money=:bang: you p*ssed off:bang: =smiling mechanic:yuck:

 

[Sandy.l]

Okay, I'm getting the message now. Looks like I'd better dig out my pushbike! Thanks, I'm glad I asked now.

Much appreciated

Sandy

 

[dazz666]

Defo Head Gasket. I had the same.

 

[ru-lefthanded]

Have you had any work done recently on the car? as it may only be an air trap hopefully ! You certainly dont want it to be the head gasket . I,d tell you how to check the fans working but you did admit that youre lost looking at an engine!

I'm having a similar problem with my son's 51 plate punto 1.2 which he's just bought from blackbush auction.
Engine overheated Friday. Could hear a gurgling sound when sat in passenger seat (as if water moving from front to back of car) just afterwards (& I heard this on an earlier drive).
Also, 3x prior to this, heard a noise similar to someone trying to start an engine that had already been started - this immediately followed a reverse & then putting on the handbreak (on the first 2 occasions - third time was going forward after a reverse). Not sure if this is relevant or not!
Rad fan spins OK when engine is off.
No white stuff showing on dip stick.
Rad fan did not come on when started the car up, but didn't want to leave it running too long in case I did any damage!
No history of work on radiator - though it had 48k service 7k miles ago apaprently.
Will check the fuse tonight - but assuming that's not the problem, you mentioned so further steps in the reply to the earlier post. What do I need to try next?

 

[MPH]

Matt68 is on the ball. I've been having similar problems and was deluding myself into thinking that it would be one of the minor causes. I'm off to a garage now to have the head gasket done. Unfortunatly this time of year with the warmer weather and more people on the road I'm sure we'll see a lot more posts about overheating.

Get on the bike until the problem is sorted...

MPH

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If its not broken don't fix it.