Dash showing engine temp is realy hot! NOW SOLVED!

jo king wrote: I may be able to help you with this Process of elimination
Ok this is what to do :blink: First you can check your thermostat by removing it from your car and putting it into a pan and then pour boiling water from a kettle on to it. If it does not do anything then Its buggered if you see it pop or move then its fine and you can put it back in The thermostat activates at around 83 degrees so boiling water will trigger it.
You may have an air lock in your cooling system.. seek advice as to how to get the air out...
Answer these questions
1 Are you losing water only slighty
2 And can you see tiny dots in your oil on your dip stick.

You're suspecting a blown head gasket - trouble is, if the head gasket has gone it could be as a result of the engine getting too hot and the head warping. You could fix it and it will happen again as you did not find why it happened.

I would say one step at a time, let's resolve the overheating issue, then IF the head gasket has failed - which will become evident in time, that can be fixed. At the moment I wouldn't get worried about things like that unless you are losing coolant or there is evidence of oil in the coolant (specs of it on the top of the coolant when looking in the radiator with the cap off on a cold engine only!) or coolant in the oil (mayo like substance in the oil filler cap / on the dip stick).

If you take the Thermostat out you'll need a new gasket to put it back in, at which point you may aswell be replacing it as they cost little and come with a new gasket.

Lock the fan up, see if the problem disappears. If it does you could either buy a new fan (or second hand one from CAM Suzuki on ebay) or leave it locked. Martin runs his locked I believe but it isn't run daily. You could also look to go electric fan but that's a faff.

If locking the fan up does not solve the issue then you'll have to move onto the next thing - which we all seem to agree is the thermostat. I doubt there is an air lock if the system has not been distrurbed - unless of course the air is from the exhaust due to a blown head gasket but as I have said - a blown head gasket would likely be as a result of over heating, not the cause of overheating.

Or as I've said, just replace the thermostat anyway as it ensures you have fresh coolant for the winter but still look at the fan checking as other have suggested and if not obviously knackered locking it up.

Kirkynut

Good advice Kirkynut I think its the thermostat myself. I forgot about the gasket. :pinch: Also my advice was in conjunction with the fan all ready been tied and tried. It will be interesting to find out the problem. I had a head go and had no warning until it went that was on an sj.
I think Kirkynut is wise and the best bet

Nobby22 wrote: Thanks again guys

I have just put fresh coolant in do you think if i drained it, to fit a new thermostat, i could re-use it? Or is it best to put new in again. Its only been in a week or so.

Certainly, collect it in a clean bowl, cover it to stop dirt getting in (you won't believe how much grit gets in an uncovered bowl) and put it back.


A word of warning: antifreeze is sweet smelling and really yummy to animals and children, but it is very poisonous, make sure that animals and children cant get at containers or spilled puddles.

Very wise and considerate Nice one Facade

Thanks guys

Now am i being realy thick but i carnt work out how you cable tie the viscous fan up :blush: .
Now you guys have mentioned it i dont think it does start with that "roar" sound. My old Grand Vitara did and you can certainly hear it.

Nobby

I don't think you're thick, well no thicker than I am. I was also wondering how to cable tie the fan up. A quick photo would help.