Raised Coolant Temps.

[Guest Gargoil]

Chaps, I have noticed during the last few journeys that the coolant temperature has been getting hotter, to the point where it's almost entering the red.

This is while travelling at about 70mph on a dual carriageway. As soon as the speed comes down, so does the temp. There doesn't seem to be any leaks, I am not loosing fluid and there's no water in the oil that I can see. The system seems pressurised (squeezing a coolant pipe) but I did have a problem with the radiator cap which originally made me think it was the fault. Does this sound like thermostat problems?

Engine in a mildly tuned 2.1 pinto and there is an expansion bottle on the system.

 

Cheers.

[blue]

Hi it sounds like your fan belt is slipping.

So at low engine speeds the water pump can keep up but at higher revs the belt slips on water pump

[speedtripledan]

could be a multitude of problems its a case of finding it, my hood did something similar once when i changed the grill at speeds over 55 it stalled the air flow, it could be the water pump, stat if fitted hot air not escaping the engine bay rad fins blocked rad itself blocked. if you have a stat take it out and run the car and see what happens it should run colder at speed not a cure but a pointer as to what might be wrong.

[Guest Gargoil]

Thanks Gents. Those are two easy solutions I know I can cope with. I will try them in turn.

Sometimes you just need a nudge in the correct direction....

[nigelt]

Could also be the voltage regulator for the dials. As you go faster the voltage is going up, giving the impression that the temperature is rising.

 

Nige

[kevin the chicken]

_{If you havent changed anything recently and the engine is ok and not boiling up or losing fluid, I would start with the stat. Easy to get at and to check. Just put it in a pyrex jug and fill up with boiling water to see if it opens fully. They do go wrong as I have had two or three fail over the years. If theres any doubt replace as they are cheap enough.}

 

_Kevin

[Guest Gargoil]

Good news, although like my starter problem it is yet to be confirmed, it would seem that tightening the fan belt, just a touch, has solved the overheating (well done Blue).

However, thanks to all the other members as well, I may still be taking your advice, should the problem return, in warmer weather.