Hot Hot Hot! Fan or Head Gasket?
#1
Posted 23 July 2006 - 02:20 PM
Over the past couple of weeks my Puma has been getting very hot. It started after my girlfriend noticed the temperature nearing the red whilst driving it. This was during the return journey of a 120 mile trip. She found that there was little coolant in the expansion tank. She then topped this up and returned home carefully!
Since then, I have drained the coolant and replaced it all with the pink long life stuff (with water). The temperature continues to go up, especially at higher speeds. By putting the heater on I can bring down the temperature. I am no longer losing any coolant and it is bubbling/boiling after driving. For this reason, I've got a feeling that the engine fan is not coming on. I have never actually heard it, even after hard driving. I checked the fuses and all seemed ok, however one of the relays for the fan seems to be missing (according to the owners manual). Also, the temperature guage now stays where it is after the engine has been switched off and the key is taken out! It only resets when you start the car again.WHATS GOING ON!!
Sorry for going on! There are symptoms of both a faulty fan switch and possible blown head gasket. The head gasket went on my old car, but on that occasion the coolant leaked into the engine. How can I check to see if the fan is coming on?
Any ideas?
Thanks Guys and Gals
PS Oil level ok, no cream
#2
Posted 23 July 2006 - 02:30 PM
I'd say you possibly have both problems, being as the fan isn't cutting in and the engine getting that hot in the first place. Can't say I'll be of much use other than that I'm afraid
PS you can hear the fan come on from inside the car it's quite loud. (provided you haven't got your music blaring out )
#3
Posted 23 July 2006 - 02:41 PM
Any more ideas anyone?
#4
Posted 23 July 2006 - 05:01 PM
I'd get that checked asap, could be a blocked pipe or leak or broken sensor.
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#5
Posted 23 July 2006 - 09:44 PM
#6
Posted 23 July 2006 - 09:52 PM
#7
Posted 24 July 2006 - 09:36 AM
Hopefully getting the car looked at this week.
#8
Posted 24 July 2006 - 09:56 AM
maybe the thermostat valve is locked???
#9 Guest_SPV_*
Posted 24 July 2006 - 10:04 AM
#10
Posted 24 July 2006 - 10:16 AM
"the temperature guage now stays where it is after the engine has been switched off and the key is taken out! It only resets when you start the car again"
#11
Posted 24 July 2006 - 11:11 AM
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#12
Posted 25 July 2006 - 09:23 AM
However, on the way home, all of a sudden the temperature shot up into the red! I pulled over, the fan was on but the temperature was not falling. Typical, why didn't it do this when the mechanic was looking at it. Anyway, apparently this has all the markings of a head gasket issue.
But the problem is very inconsistent- the car will be fine and just when you don't expect it - BOILING COOLANT! (which I noticed when I got home!)
Is it worth getting the mechanic to call Pumabuild to see if it could be a different cause? I don't want to spend all that money on the head gasket only to find that this doesn't solve the issue. Also, if it does need the head gasket replacing/skimming, is there anything else I should get checked/replaced at the same time, as I understand while the engine is stripped down it is worth using the labour you are paying for to full effect! Sorry if I'm being a bit mechanically naiive, and also for going on forever!
#13 Guest_SPV_*
Posted 25 July 2006 - 09:43 AM
You are looking at a big bill
#14
Posted 25 July 2006 - 09:49 AM
Why not phone Pumabuild and discuss yourself, assume the worst and get a cost for a new head gasket (you'll also need a new timing belt, stretch bolts stc), but expect little change out of Å“500 - then get the AA / RAC to recover you to Pumabuild - but don't drive the car as you are causing more damage!
Jon
#15
Posted 25 July 2006 - 09:52 AM
You are looking at a big bill
I know! Luckily, the mechanic is a colleague of a friend so hopefully I will get half price labour. My puma is a 1998 1.4 and has done 44k, is it worth getting the cambelt done with 56k/2 years left?
#16
Posted 25 July 2006 - 09:53 AM
#17 Guest_SPV_*
Posted 25 July 2006 - 09:59 AM
Agree with Jessie, as you may as well if the head is coming off as the belt will be worn anway
#18
Posted 25 July 2006 - 10:01 AM
Does anyone know if this problem could lead to further issues?
#19
Posted 25 July 2006 - 11:09 AM
Would have thought that if the coolent level is not dropping, then the gaskets should be ok - although I'm no expert..
Does the fan come on if you leave it idling with the bonnet up?? It should do after a while as there's no moving air to cool things down.
Could just be that the thermostat is shagged, and it's turning the fan on too late.
#20
Posted 25 July 2006 - 11:30 AM
Jon
I've booked it into Pumabuild for a diagnostic over the weekend, hopefully it should shed some light on the situation!
I am always going to assume the worst! Unfortunately although I am not driving the car, the girlfriend needs to use it for work, as her new car is still waiting for a part. But we should be getting a courtesy car in the mean time. Fingers crossed, what a nightmare!!