Technical Fiat Punto Thermostat Replacement?

[Davidw123]

Hi guys,

Recently had a few issues with my car including a new clutch, clutch fork, sparks, leads etc. All running fine but now my thermostat is displaying dangerous temperatures - at no notice is suddenly goes from balanced to max - and not in high speeds.

Anyone have any idea what the problem is? I've asked a garage and they said a thermostat is definitely needing replaced, even took it for a test drive for me.

Any advice on if it's anything else? I have a thermostat kit just needing to know how to fit it and if it's actually the proper diagnosis.

Cheers

 

[Davidw123]

Im currently replacing the thermostat, any idea how to take the metal band off? And how come no fluid is coming out now I've removed it from it's location?

 

[bonez]

Theres also a way to test thermostat by removing it placing it in a saucepan and boiling the water to see if it opens ok once waters at temp of boiling if does not open theres your prob .. Thermostat is an easy thing to do at home its attached to engine with 2 10m bolts its from the pipe that goes from rad to near to top of engine you will have to remove the water pipe that is connected to engine then unbolt 2 bolts remove thermostat . Make sure new gasket is fitted then its a case of fitting new one on connecting pipe back on and refill cooling system remember to BLEED the cooling system .. Hope this helps

Bonez

 

[bonez]

Im currently replacing the thermostat, any idea how to take the metal band off? And how come no fluid is coming out now I've removed it from it's location?

did fluid come out when you removed pipe connected to thermostat?

 

[Davidw123]

No fluid came out and stat is BONE dry

Seemed to be stuck out... Rather then open

 

[Davidw123]

Update:

Forgot to mention garage checked head gasket and pressure alls fine there :/

 

[bonez]

No fluid came out and stay is BONE dry

Seemed to be stuck out

was cooling system drained prior to removing stat? if not if thermostat is stuck closed it wont let fluid through so may be reason its dry. Replace it anyway now you got it off maybe try the old one in saucepan of boiling water like I say see if it opens... But always remember to bleed the cooling system when refilling puntos arnt great with airlocks in cooling system lol

Bonez

 

[Davidw123]

Great cheers.

Ready to put on the therm, would like to drain but no idea where the drainage cap is?

Cheers

Dave

 

[bonez]

I would disconnect the pipe which connects to bottom engine from filler resevior this should drain system.. Also any pipe you disconnect check for any blockages. (might aswell while your there) hopefully your new stat solves you prob .. If you need help on filling and bleeding cooling system ill add a link telling you what to do..

Bonez

 

[Davidw123]

Ok. Thought there would be a cap to bleed it, guess I just remove the lower pipe clip and away we go?

Will check for blockages along the way.

A link would be appreciated bonez

Cheers

 

[bonez]

Im unsure of a cap to drain cooling system . But you could be right. But yes I would undo juballe clip and pull pipe off and let water flow out. do pipes all back up and start refilling I would refill with 50/50 antifreeze it helps with cooling. I will put up on this thread now the bleeding cooling system write up forr u now . Is it a mk2 punto ?

Bonez

 

[Davidw123]

Yes it is cheers

 

[bonez]

Follow the top hose from the radiator back towards the bulkhead, you will see two 25mm dia rubber pipes going into the bulkhead these are the hoses for the heater, Just before they go into the bulkhead there is one bleed screw on these pipes you maybe able to do this by hand otherwise use a flat screwdriver theres is also a bleed valve on top of radiator right hand side if you are standing infront car opposite side to filler resevoir undo with hand . .Remove the filler cap from from resevoir and start filling slowly Does water trickle from the bleed holes? If not replace the filler cap and start the engine allow to warm up this may take a few minutes. do you see any water coming from the bleed holes, if you see no water when the temperature gauge is just above half way or if steam is coming from the holes, you have a sever airlock Switch off the engine. and allow to cool Remove the filler cap from the water tank and fill to top using either a hose or watering can. Start the engine again with the filler cap off the water should be sucked from the filler tank around the system forcing the airlock out of the bleed screw holes. Top up The filler tank as this happens Once you see water squirting (not trickling) from both bleed holes. Stop the engine and replace on bleed screw Restart the engine allow water to kepp coming out of the second bleed screw until the water in the filler tank is at the normal level. Stop the engine and replace the other bleed screw. Replace the cap on the filler tank Start engine and allow to warm up top up once cool to max level...

Bonez

 

[Davidw123]

Ok cheers bonez

Done all this and still have the problem; just not as bad. Temperature rises for no reason.

Any suggestions?

 

[bonez]

Ok cheers bonez

Done all this and still have the problem; just not as bad. Temperature rises for no reason.

Any suggestions?

is the heaters working In car and have you bled the cooling system yes? An air lock can effect tempture sensor ... Also does fan kick in at around half way on temp gauge ?

Bonez

 

[s and b]

theres a possibility you have an issue with the impeller on the water pump

 

[Davidw123]

Heaters work, bled the cooling system, and yes fan kicks in fine at halfway :/

Any diagnosis?

 

[Davidw123]

And radiator warms as usual, so no problems with circulation I believe :/

 

[bonez]

you might have to start looking where s d said water pump... Does the car overheat then? Or stays around half on temp? Does it lose coolant ? Cooling system is a.pressuried system may be something as stupid as a resevior filler cap If all is to bad you can get another engine delivered for around £200 lol im having issues with my punto atm its so noisy sounds like a diesel ! Im thinking new engine route if my problems to bad lol

Bonez

 

[Davidw123]

you might have to start looking where s d said water pump... Does the car overheat then? Or stays around half on temp? Does it lose coolant ? Cooling system is a.pressuried system may be something as stupid as a resevior filler cap If all is to bad you can get another engine delivered for around £200 lol im having issues with my punto atm its so noisy sounds like a diesel ! Im thinking new engine route if my problems to bad lol

Bonez

Hi,

Yes the temp does rise - still. not as bad as before; infact nowhere near, but it still manages to raise to 3/4 then drop back down to halfway..

Will have to get it checked out .. again.