overheating

[weather]

Hi guys, when the car is on idle, the temp slowly goes up to around 120c on the gauge, but when the car is moving the temp drop, any advide?

eric

[stevie_b]

My temp gauge doesn't have a scale on it, but I'm guessing that 120c is well into the top quarter of the scale.

Several things it could be. Most likely are: thermostat not opening properly, or less-than-efficient radiator due to lost/corroded fins or a choked-up core. Have a look at the radiator to see if most of the fins are intact. I would change the thermostat anyway, and possibly the radiator too depending on its condition.

Carefully feel the coolant hoses that lead from/to the radiator when the engine's warm (use the back of your hand if you can reach). They should feel warm/hot. If not, the coolant's not circulating properly.

If the engine's cooling system is struggling, it's normal for the temperature to rise when idling and then cool down when moving, because when moving it'll have the cooling effect of the airflow over the radiator/engine to cool it a bit.

DO NOT DELAY in getting this fixed though. This is a warning sign that all is not well. Fixed now, it shouldn't cost you very much at all (e.g. thermostat is about £10). If you leave it and the engine seriously overheats, all manner of problems could be caused, and it'll cost you dear.

[Nic]

Good advice there.

Also check the viscous fan coupling, if it's worn then it could be at stand still your not getting enough air drawn through the rad. I'd also replace the rad cap with a new one, if the rad cap is leaking slightly, the system will not be holding pressure and the water temps will rise.

As said get it sorted out ASAP.

[weather]

thanks guys, its the radiator being a little clog up. add a new fan in front of the intercooler and now its back to normal. Very good advised, thanks

eric

[Jspec Germany]

Good advice there. I'd also replace the rad cap with a new one, if the rad cap is leaking slightly, the system will not be holding pressure and the water temps will rise.

As said get it sorted out ASAP.

Also excellent advice Nic. I always start with the rad cap now, as I've had it be the culprit in two different cars and it's cheap to replace.

[Ian C]

thanks guys, its the radiator being a little clog up. add a new fan in front of the intercooler and now its back to normal. Very good advised, thanks

eric

That's not really fixing it though, is it :( That's just masking the problem and it'll get worse. Pull the rad out and get it cleaned out properly.

-Ian

[weather]

yes, had the rad serviced yesterday. Was advised to upgrade to a bigger rad in future