Newbie - Overheating problem

[Burnz]

Hello all,


I am new to this forum and new to Fiat's in general, so ....

I have recently purchased a 03 plate Punto 1.9 JTD, and I love it, suits me down to the ground!! Unfortunately, I have not been able to enjoy this car as much as I would like to as there is an overheating issue.

The issue is, whenever I reach and sustain a speed of 45-50ish +, the temperature gauge shoots up until its in the red, (normally it stays on half way), this also happens when I tend to accelerate fast. However, the problem only persists if I sustaining these speeds. Therefore, if I am doing 70mph on the motoroway the temp gauge will just keep going up and up, till its in the red. However, if I am doing a short stint on a Dual carriageway or MW, the temp gauge goes up slightly, between half way and maximum, and then when I slow down the temp gauge eventually comes down(sometimes).

I changed the thermostat 2 weeks ago at a garage, they did all the tests and it was fine, drove it about for 2 days, it was all fine, even going on the MW. However, the problem came back to me after this, so it musn't have been the thermostat (although it was ok for a couple of days!). I have checked for HG problems, e.g. mayonaise on the Oil cap, white smoke etc, none of these occur, so HG seems ok. Checked the oil & water levels, all ok. Also, I hear the fan kick in when it goes above half-way, so thats ok.

Can anyone suggest what the issue might be? Possible solutions?

Very grateful if someone could help

Thanks

 

[deverill]

I expected to read the common punto overheating issue which is the one I am experiencing. (Quite the opposite to yours)

- When driving fast the temp is fine as the air cools the engine, as soon as I am in traffic it shoots right up. I don't think my fan is kicking in.

Is this issue you are experiencing only related to speed or is it related to RPM?

 

[Burnz]

I think it irelates to the RPM aswell, as everytime I accelerate it shoots up, when in traffic it is fine. I don't understnad at all.

If the temp gauge is right up into the red, would I expect alot of heat escaping when I lift up the bonnet, when I park up? Is there any signs I should look for. Because when I have lifted the bonnet when the temp gauge is in the red(not wise), It seeems normal to me, no hotter than it shoud be. Is this normal?

 

[deverill]

I tend to find when I turn the engine off after it has become very hot it just makes noises, sounds a little like ticking. I don't think you will see loads of steam/smoke when you open the bonnet... only in the moives

This may sound daft... is there water in it? Also... it could just be the gauge? The air from driving fast should cool the engine.

 

[Burnz]

Plenty of water in it. I have noticed in the past couple of days, I have reved it more, to 3000rpm, and the problem seems to be fixed. The problem only seems to be when the engine maybe under strain, for example 50mph in 5th gear.

It seems as if the radiator isnt getting enough circulation.

 

[deverill]

You should get it seen too though, if it's an issue with your head gasket and then that blows you are going to be forking out a lot more cash

 

[james53]

Plenty of water in it. I have noticed in the past couple of days, I have reved it more, to 3000rpm, and the problem seems to be fixed. The problem only seems to be when the engine maybe under strain, for example 50mph in 5th gear.

It seems as if the radiator isnt getting enough circulation.

Sounds like a possible air lock in the cooling system or faulty coolant temp sensor, try bleeding the system, airlocks can do strange things. Also an infrared thermometer would tell you the exact temp and make it easier to check for a faulty sensor/guage.