Overheating

[Rikos]

Hello all,

What are the reasons a car would overheat?

I have thought of a leak in the water level but no leaks..... i have thought about no water in the system but yes water level is fine.....what else could be causing an engine to overheat?

Within 5 minutes of driving the temperature gauge is going into the red and the fan is having to kick in to try and cool the engine?

Any ideas anyone?

[kam05]

Could be a fan switch or thermostat? BTW: Which car is it?

[84Stoney]

If there is enough fluid in there then it can only really be something obstructing the flow of the fluid around the cooling system, or something blocking the airflow to the rad.

Draining, flushing, and refilling the system may well help, and will certainly do no harm!

[Mark W]

Thermostat packed up (had actually completely dropped to pieces) in a Mondeo I had - and left the valve closed for the water flow - 5 minutes and engine overheating despite everything looking ok.....also blew the headgasket.....

[sparkystav]

Yeah i'd agree, thermostat,

Then check the water pump, pull one end off and leavin it pumping check it goes all the way round the system.

stav

[Rikos]

He's flushed the system and it all seems ok and so re-filled it. If it is the thermostat would the radiator kick in correctly though?

It's a 98 Fiesta 1.25.

[Mark W]

Luck of draw - If Thermostat breaks when valve open - Rad on all time (including when you dont need it on first few minutes whilst engine warms up) but if messes up when closed then can remain closed - hence no flow of water through the rad....

[DJ Wozza]

If not any of the suggestions above (I'd go with closed thermostat), than maybe an airlock in the system somewhere