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dean dempster

Hello,

I've got serious overheating problems - the motor runs at about 100 - 110c on the motorway. It did used to run at a decent temperature until I noticed my battery also goes flat..

Is this linked?? Is it possible that the battery running down could be affecting the water pump and cooling fans??

What sort of tests could I do to test the alternator, water pump etc..??

Any ideas???

Thanks.

paulhide · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:28 am Post subject:

You need to make sure that your radiator fan is working. If it is not working when hot then most common fault is the trip switch thermostat in the radiator. If not working then join up the wires that go into this, does the fan go on. If yes then faulty radiator switch. If no then faulty fan/wiring. Where in east sussex are you? Not near Brighton?
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Dean. · Guest

The fans do kick in at about the right temp and end up staying on during motorway driving, so I'm pretty sure that side of things are ok.

I did hear that a hole can be drilled in the thermostat to help overheating probs?? It could also do with a full service and oil change.

I should test the water pump, thermostat etc.. ?? The engine is not in a 33 shell. Confused

I'm 30-40mins from Brighton - Crowborough on the A26.

ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:29 pm Post subject:

hi,

are you sure your alternator + water pump belt is still here?
If it is, have a look at the alternator. A seized bearing can cause the belt to slip, which will in turn reduce water pump rotation speed hence coolant flow.

regards,
zp

Dean. · Guest

The belt is still there and has good tension..

As a test, I ran the engine until the fans came on and then disconnected the batteries. The fans were still running with the batteries disconnected, does this mean the alternator works ok??

But when the batteries are connected and the fans are running and I turn the lights on, I can hear the fans slow down a bit..

Does the water pump rely on electric too??

paulhide · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 2:46 pm Post subject:

The water pump should be driven by the alternator belt. Check that it hasn't seized. Thermostat normally jams in open position if it fails, though I suppose it is possible that it has jammed in the closed position?
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Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

bobbber · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 3:04 pm Post subject:

I know it sounds stoopid - and someone has to ask the stoopid question - but it has enough coolant in it right!?

Bob
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Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

RFlower · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 8:01 pm Post subject:

Hi Dean,

You should NEVER disconnect your battery when the engine is running, the alternator voltage may go high enough to burn out your electrics, including expensive electronic bits.
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Dick Flower, Nr. Carcassonne. '94 Trofeo 1.4 ie (F), '93 Imola 1.3/1.4 ie (now for breaking) (F), '91 1.7 ie (GB)(spare car), '86 Sprint 1.5 QV (F). '87 VW Syncro camper (F), '73 NSU Ro80 (F), '99 Fiat Seicento (F)

lancsbreaker · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:54 pm Post subject:

Along the lines of stupid questions......you say that the engine isn't in a 33 - so is it a kit car? And if so, has someone fitted an electric water-pump to assist the cooling? Is there any blockage to cooling ducts etc?
It would be pretty unusual for cooling fans to have to run when the car is running at motorway speeds, so you do need to check all the usual suspects as detailed above.....

HTH

Richard
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Dean. · Guest

Thanks all.

I'd better get a full service, change the head gaskets and get everything checked over!!

Bellamachinna · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 5:17 pm Post subject:

Hi...

Just a guess, but it hapenned to my 16v.

Check that your water pump (if is the standard one), is ok.
My car water pump, rotated freely, wasnt making strange noises, but on the inside the plastic "rotor" that makes coolant flow, wasnt rotating...
The Shaft that connects the pulley to this rotor broke and although the pulley was rotating, the pump didnt make its work...
Hope that you can understand what i said, because i dont know the correct technical terms...

Good luck
P.Camilo
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