Overheating 1.6 16V Zetec. HELP!!

[LoganGSD]

Hello everyone.

 

This is my first post here and and infact my first Escort. I really need some help! I have just bought a 1999 1.6 16V Zetec Escort estate that as I have just discovered that it has an overheating problem.

 

The gauge normally sits in the higher end of the ‘NORMAL’ area. Whilst driving at 40mph+ typically sitting in the ‘A’.

When I am sitting in traffic the temperature goes to the middle of the ‘L’ but won’t go any higher. The fan never cuts in either.

 

I have changed the thermostat and it is still the same if not marginally worse. I then ran the car with no thermostat at all and the temperature gauge sat in-between the ‘R’ and the ‘M’ and when driving the gauge drops down to the white area.

 

The heater works fine and blows hot, there does not appear to be any air in the system and it isn’t loosing any coolant. There doesn’t appear to be any coolant in the oil or any oil in the coolant.

Also, the radiator is getting hot all over and not in patches. Both radiator in and out hoses are getting hot and if I squeeze either hoses the level in the header tank moves.

 

I have no idea where to go from here. To keep the engine cool at the moment I have had to bridge the fan switch so that the radiator fan is on permanently and I have the heater on full blast and this keeps the temperature at the beginning of the ‘A’

 

Any help would be awesome. Thanks

Cheza

[Ahmotorsport]

Fix the fan is a start.

[LoganGSD]

Fix the fan is a start.

 

Thanks, I think the Thermistor has died so im looking for another one, however I think there is an underlying problem as it shouldn't get that hot. Also I forgot to mention that there is no pressure in the header tank when the cap is unscrewed.

[scottybo]

it shouldnt get that hot while moving. no way

 

my old si had an issue with the fan cutting in. it never worked so i hard wiired a switch. but when driving at say 50mph constant. the temp guage would never go further than the R in normal

[SteveB]

From what you are saying, it doesn't sound to me like it's overheating. Are you sure that you really have a mechanical fault, and it is not just the gauge reading wrong?

[Banno]

Hi Cheza,

I have had exactly the same problem on a ford KA. It was the water pump. The impeller that sits on the shaft had become loose and did not turn completely with the engine causing the exact problem you are describing.

 

Hope This helps and fingers crossed for ya

 

Paul