Need help - Punto ELX 2000

[dcut986]

Hey ppl, dont know if anyone could help me!!

I've go a punto elx manfactured in 2000. My temperatue gauge is constantly varying up and down, and the temperature light is also switching on. The cooling fan is always working and when switched on idle, the car is doing abnormal vibrations?

Anyone knows whats the problem? Am i doing any worse in driving the car in these conditions??

Thanks

 

[richcinq]

At best case it could be an air lock which is easy or at worst a head gasket blown. Does it use any coolant? Have you drained the coolant system for any reason recently? Does it drive ok bar the temp light/guage?

Rich

 

[dcut986]

i drive the car normally. Im worried about the temperature and the vibrations. I did a full service at my local machinic a few weeks ago!!

If its a blown gasket, how much does it cost aproximately?

 

[richcinq]

It probably is not the headgasket as if it were the temp would be constantly hot. Maybe they drained the coolant but did not bleed the system fully? If it were to be the headgasket you would be looking at around £250-£300. Where are you?

Rich.

 

[dcut986]

In fact the temp is constantly varying in the last quarter of the guage, and occasionally it goes down till the middle. But the cooling fan is always on!!

David

 

[richcinq]

It could be the thermostat sticking. The guage would not drop to the middle if it was the head gasket im sure.

 

[dcut986]

i will visit my machanic on saturday to try and fix the problem. do you thing im worsening the situation by driving in these conditions?

By the way thanks for your help... Im David from Malta

 

[richcinq]

I would not reccomend driving it if the temp guage goes up too high.

 

[dcut986]

ok thanks for your help!!!

David