Overheating badly!!

[Dave]

I have Bravo 1.4 8v R reg. I use it for grass track racing. Recently it has been overheating, I took the thermostat out today when racing to make sure the water could run free. The engine ended up red hot with the water in the rad, ice cold. I am thinking that maybe the water pump has gone. has anyone ever had air locks in the engine which prevents the water circulating? I can't think of any other reason but would welcome any suggestions.

If fixed I may have cooked the engine too much so may be looking for a 1.4 8v soon.

Cheers

Dave

 

[Steve]

Overheating

If it's the same as a 1.4 12v then ...
If you haven't bled the system then you will get the symptoms you describe.
Firstly turn the heater switch to high, open up the 2 coolant pipe bleed valves and pour water into the expansion chamber with the engine running. The water will now flow round the system. When water comes out of the bleed valves, close them off.
Good luck
Steve

 

[dave]

AAhhh!!

Maybe I will give that a go before taking the water pump out.

Would I have to do this every time I need to fill the rad? On hot race days it can blow the water out a couple of times.

Many thanks

Dave

 

[Anonymous]

You should see the water flowing back into the header tank at any time with the thermostat removed! Bleed system properly or the head gasket will be b*ll*x'd