General 97 Uno Fire 1100-Overheating

[grayjen]

Once again thank you to Ucof, Lewey and Kozmos for the helpful information.
We fitted the new radiator and checked all the hoses and thermostat.
Ran the motor while parked until the heat gauge rose to almost halfway and waited for the thermostat to open and the fan to kick in, which it did and all seemed to be operating correctly, also topped up the water tank to the correct level.
Took the car for a good run, temperature gauge moved up the scale at a fair pace then it reached halfway and started to track higher, then there was a pop sound. It was raining slightly so did not see any steam. Pulled over and lo and behold the top hose had popped off again. The car was performing as expected, the right type of performance that the Uno has, it definitely was not sluggish and the motor sounded quite even.
Replaced the hose and filled the radiator once again. My son examined the radiator cap closely and found that the seal inside the cap was solid so he removed it. Replaced the cap minus the seal and drove home, the car performed with no problems, the heat gauge hovering just around one or two marks off halfway mark.
Purchased a new cap and have now done about 125km and no trouble the heat gauge sitting just under the halfway mark.
The car is performing as expected and the motor sounds even.
We are planning to take the head off just as a precaution check. Will have the head checked and skimmed and a new gasket fitted.
My advise to Uno owners at this point in time, if your car is overheating, first replace the radiator cap.
Thank you once again for all the information, and help from everybody.
Kindest regards
Graham

 

[Ucof]

+1 internets for me!


I was about to suggest not bothering to take the head off, re-skim and re-gasket... however, the last time i suggested not doing something like that, it didnt go down too well!



Glad to hear it is now sorted!

 

[rawill]

+1 internets for me!


I was about to suggest not bothering to take the head off, re-skim and re-gasket... however, the last time i suggested not doing something like that, it didnt go down too well!



Glad to hear it is now sorted!

Well I did say just that, but somehow my post has not appeared.

I would check it carefully over the next short while. Then if all seems well and no overheating I would get a garage ot do a chemical check for exhaut gases in the coolant, and a pressure test on the cooling system to check for any dropping pressure.

Actually thinking about it, I would get the above things done first, then observe it carefully.

I have a long story about my car that survived a seize and did not burn oil after it had overheated enough to stop the engine!!

/Rbn

 

[Ucof]

I would check it carefully over the next short while. Then if all seems well and no overheating I would get a garage ot do a chemical check for exhaut gases in the coolant, and a pressure test on the cooling system to check for any dropping pressure.

Good idea.

 

[carlito]

The Uno finally gave up the ghost. Top gasket popped and left me stranded. It turns out that it was the gasket and core plugs all along. So, had this fixed (head skimmed, new gaskets and the whole kaboodle) and the car just wasn't the same again. Sluggish performance and jerky drive. Took the car back and they fitted a new radiator as they noticed the third time round that there was a crack in the bottom hose. New radiator cap too. And guess what. I didn't bother taking the car back cause those mechanics clearly don't know jack. I've been driving for about 2 months with an underperforming FIRE now and I get the strangest of feelings that something's about to give again. The heat gauge seems to be over the middle more frequently now and I get the smell of the gasket going. Something else is causing this and I seriously don't know what this could be. Unless poor workmanship is the culprit here.

 

[Achilles]

i had the same problem turns out my water pump was broken and now the radiator fan is not working id any body can help me with that

 

[DrBudgie]

Hi Guys,
I have a 1995 Fiat UNO 1100 Fire 2 door. Last month my UNO blew a gasket about 1 Km away from my home early one morning but did not overheat at all and as well, not over revving the engine, it happened as the robot turned green to go as I proceeded to turn right the engine made a horrible sound as if it was a Big End Bearing, turned out it was a blown Head Gasket after consulting a with a Motor mac, had the Cylinder Head skimmed purchased the Gasket set (Payen) put everything together with the help of the Mechanic and the repair manual for torque settings etc.
Now, after all the work was completed everything seemed correct however, the sound of the engine just doesn't have that smooth sound, more like I have replaced the the Air Filter with one of those huge fancy Air Filters, kinda rough with morning starts as if i have a dead plug or two.
Anyway, on one of my commutes to work I noticed the heat gauge climbing up like crazy with the same symptoms as other Forum members. Replaced the Thermostat and Radiator cap and all was well...But I have to add water every morning before I leave for work and again when I leave work. No leaks at all? The heat gauge remains low whilst driving, standing in traffic jams it climbs to the center of the sometimes a tad over but holds out until I get home, Epping To Protea Heights Brackenfell.
Could this be a water pump issue with the heated water pressure being released at the Radiator cap???

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
possible, are you SURE the air is bled from the system,
airlocks can cause similar issues..,
I would drain the coolant and refill, looking for debris

Charlie

 

[core]

Since the head gasket has only recently been changed let's assume that is fine for the moment.

When you replaced the head gasket you would have had to remove the timing belt and replace it once the job was done. Are you sure the timing is correct? If not it could account for the rough sounding engine.

Does your heater blow nice and hot consistently?

As varesecrazy has suggested check there is no air in the cooling system. This will cause your temperature gauge to jump about. There are loads of radiator bleeding tutorials online and it is simple enough to do. Alternatively take it to a radiator place and ask them to do it and have them check the radiator condition etc at the same time.

To check for leaks.... park the car up somewhere open the bonnet, make sure coolant level is on the full mark and rev the car up until you hear the cooling fan kick in. Then look for coolant leaks in the areas you are suspicious of.

 

[DrBudgie]

Hi Guys!
Thank you for your valued tips, I will definitely do as asked and will get back to next week, I have an out of town commitment to attend to.

Thank you once again:worship:

 

[DrBudgie]

Hi Guys,
My work commitments are sadly taking my free time away at most. Is there someone you guys know who is quite capable of sorting my 1995 Fiat UNO Fire.

1) The Overheating issue.
2) The possible Timing correction.
3) Overall Engine inspection.
I live in Protea Heights Brackenfell, will really appreciate someone capable of sorting the car out once and for all.

Many Thanks to all of you.
Budgie