Just got a fresh MOT but worsening cooling issue has become serious. :bang:Tempra 1600 SOHC injection engine.
Problem started as rapid temp gauge fluctuation, rising and falling back to 90 degrees. then ejecting coolant from overflow.
I assumed blocked radiator after I found it stone cold whilst engine was overheating. This is after I'd replaced the thermostat with an italian made BEHR (I have not tested yet but the old one tests OK with same symptoms) Just fitted a VW Scirocco radiator with no improvement and there seems to be NO hot flow through the rad. Removed water pump and it seems OK, although has recent small build up of crystallised anti freeze on housing. Was hoping for major water pump fail...
When letting water from radiator bleed most of water was stone cold with a little tepid water before it stopped from the bleeder. Absolutely cold rad pipes at front - red hot pipes at engine!
I initially thought this problem (when it was less serious) was the HG as it would overheat after a journey and eject coolant from overflow - head gasket seemed OK when I replaced it. Have not had the head skimmed.
I must admit that I re-used the original head bolts! Wish I hadn't now.
Test drive after fitting new rad - temp went over 90 after less than half a mile!!!!
At my wits end! I'm pulling the 'new' Stat tomorrow to see if that makes a difference. Hopefully not a nasty crack somewhere... probably needs head skimming?
I also have a new temp sender and will fit when I find it, although I could hear coolant boiling after the test drive... I also thought that one of the hoses might be collapsing - still a possibility as they are a bit soft.
any ideas
The engine is low mileage
so far I have replaced:
Overflow/Rad cap
Thermostat
Radiator
Checked water pump and will replace.
Problem started as rapid temp gauge fluctuation, rising and falling back to 90 degrees. then ejecting coolant from overflow.
I assumed blocked radiator after I found it stone cold whilst engine was overheating. This is after I'd replaced the thermostat with an italian made BEHR (I have not tested yet but the old one tests OK with same symptoms) Just fitted a VW Scirocco radiator with no improvement and there seems to be NO hot flow through the rad. Removed water pump and it seems OK, although has recent small build up of crystallised anti freeze on housing. Was hoping for major water pump fail...
When letting water from radiator bleed most of water was stone cold with a little tepid water before it stopped from the bleeder. Absolutely cold rad pipes at front - red hot pipes at engine!
I initially thought this problem (when it was less serious) was the HG as it would overheat after a journey and eject coolant from overflow - head gasket seemed OK when I replaced it. Have not had the head skimmed.
I must admit that I re-used the original head bolts! Wish I hadn't now.
Test drive after fitting new rad - temp went over 90 after less than half a mile!!!!
At my wits end! I'm pulling the 'new' Stat tomorrow to see if that makes a difference. Hopefully not a nasty crack somewhere... probably needs head skimming?
I also have a new temp sender and will fit when I find it, although I could hear coolant boiling after the test drive... I also thought that one of the hoses might be collapsing - still a possibility as they are a bit soft.
any ideas
The engine is low mileage
so far I have replaced:
Overflow/Rad cap
Thermostat
Radiator
Checked water pump and will replace.
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