Engine Overheat

goosefromryhope · 22nd November 2011, 11:37

Hi guys. Just after some advice.

I use my car every day for school runs and going to work. But all are very short drives. within 3 miles max.

If i drive the car for any longer distances the display flashes up "Engine Overheat". at the same time the fan comes on, which is very loud, and after a short while the "Engine Overheat" disappears and the temperature bar goes back to the middle where it normally sits. this will then generally happen once or twice more.

Is this a sign of a big problem?

I am driving the car daily and have been since i bought it in August. The car drives well and i dont know of any other problems.

It had a full service in August and the mechanic said it was sound.

Cheers in advance.

pab · 22nd November 2011, 12:02

Sounds a like a faulty thermostat or even an air lock in the cooling system.

Take the car to trusted garage and mention this to them,on An early 1.8 the thermostat is located at the back of the block.

I would get this sorted as soon as possible,these engines are prone to overheating problems.The fan is operating at the second speed which is only needed in these situations,any prolonged usage will result in expensive head damage.

In the meantime check the coolant level in the tank with a stone cold engine and maintain the level to the max mark viewed inside the tank.

lee2012 · 22nd November 2011, 12:44

Is a v6? if so its probley an air lock you need to fill it when cold with the bleed screw removed.

chipsceola · 22nd November 2011, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee2012

Is a v6? if so its probley an air lock you need to fill it when cold with the bleed screw removed.

It's not a V6 it's a 1.8, nevertheless an air lock could still be thr problem.
Chips

kaiser · 22nd November 2011, 13:31

It is not an air-lock, it is a lack of water. An air-lock is air trapped during filling. This sounds as if the system has been properly filled, but the situation has developed from there. That is indicating a leak, check all usual suspect, inlet manifold gasket, radiator cap, T piece, water pump, internal leak (check for mayonnaise under oil filler cap)

I would check the water level first, the thermostat if you you find no water missing and also the fan. Maybe it is not working on the (two) first settings.

I would not dither with this!

goosefromryhope · 22nd November 2011, 23:47

thanks guys. i will get the car to the garage.

any other ideas?

cheers.

22nd November 2011, 11:37	#1
goosefromryhope Regular poster Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: sunderland Posts: 67 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Engine Overheat Hi guys. Just after some advice. I use my car every day for school runs and going to work. But all are very short drives. within 3 miles max. If i drive the car for any longer distances the display flashes up "Engine Overheat". at the same time the fan comes on, which is very loud, and after a short while the "Engine Overheat" disappears and the temperature bar goes back to the middle where it normally sits. this will then generally happen once or twice more. Is this a sign of a big problem? I am driving the car daily and have been since i bought it in August. The car drives well and i dont know of any other problems. It had a full service in August and the mechanic said it was sound. Cheers in advance. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

22nd November 2011, 23:47	#6
goosefromryhope Regular poster Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: sunderland Posts: 67 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	thanks guys. i will get the car to the garage. any other ideas? cheers. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

22nd November 2011, 12:02	#2
pab Banned MG ZT V6 190+ Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Leeds Posts: 33,223 Thanks: 41 Thanked 1,614 Times in 1,416 Posts	Sounds a like a faulty thermostat or even an air lock in the cooling system. Take the car to trusted garage and mention this to them,on An early 1.8 the thermostat is located at the back of the block. I would get this sorted as soon as possible,these engines are prone to overheating problems.The fan is operating at the second speed which is only needed in these situations,any prolonged usage will result in expensive head damage. In the meantime check the coolant level in the tank with a stone cold engine and maintain the level to the max mark viewed inside the tank.

22nd November 2011, 12:44	#3
lee2012 Banned 2005 MG ZT 180 SE SPORT AUTO Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: se london Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is a v6? if so its probley an air lock you need to fill it when cold with the bleed screw removed.

22nd November 2011, 13:31	#5
kaiser This is my second home 75 Tourer 2.5 Auto, 1.8T, 75V8ZT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Johannesburg ZA Posts: 6,200 Thanks: 1 Thanked 859 Times in 613 Posts	It is not an air-lock, it is a lack of water. An air-lock is air trapped during filling. This sounds as if the system has been properly filled, but the situation has developed from there. That is indicating a leak, check all usual suspect, inlet manifold gasket, radiator cap, T piece, water pump, internal leak (check for mayonnaise under oil filler cap) I would check the water level first, the thermostat if you you find no water missing and also the fan. Maybe it is not working on the (two) first settings. I would not dither with this!