Quick Help with Ford Escort Van - overheating problems.

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West Glamorgan
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Got a 1.8 diesel 2000ish escort van which approx 75K has been having over heating problems.

Took it into the garage, who have changed the fan switch, and temp sensor, the thermostat was replaced last year, so thats ok (they checked it and the pump).

Had it back off them yesterday, but it was fine driving along but as i hit traffic the temp shot up, as getting up to speed the temp came back down to normal..

Stopped at a mates house and there was coolant dripping out the back of the engine compartment you could here it bubbling over - got it back home and it seemed to be coming from around down by the exhaust area.

It smelt of hot coolant..

Now i couldn't find where the leak was coming from, so took it back into the garage, they have inspected, and said its either something that connects to the exhaust (cant remember exactly what they said - coil/coll?) which was leaking, or its the head gasket.. there was a slight smoking from the back of the engine compartment but again couldn't tell where it was coming from due to being windy.

Do you think it the head gasket? or just a lose/leaky connection?

With them being understaffed, they cant get back onto it till tomorrow.. Im in need of a van for work so having to hire next week.. if you think its terminal, can you give me your opinion, as need to hire a van by lunch time tomorrow for next week..
 
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You don't say if the cooling fan is actually coming on? You can expect a rise in temperature when in traffic. There is also a chance that the radiator is partly blocked - feel it all over when the engine is hot, taking note of any cool spots. There is a chance, naturally, that the head gasket has blown - and any competent garage will do a 'sniff' test for you - basically this takes air from above the coolant and bubbles it through a blue liquid - if combustion gases are present the fluid turns yellow. If you suspect the van is cooking itself - turn the heater to full and put the fan on - it will fry you but maybe save the motor. Good luck with it! Cheers John :)
 
You don't say if the cooling fan is actually coming on? You can expect a rise in temperature when in traffic. There is also a chance that the radiator is partly blocked - feel it all over when the engine is hot, taking note of any cool spots. There is a chance, naturally, that the head gasket has blown - and any competent garage will do a 'sniff' test for you - basically this takes air from above the coolant and bubbles it through a blue liquid - if combustion gases are present the fluid turns yellow. If you suspect the van is cooking itself - turn the heater to full and put the fan on - it will fry you but maybe save the motor. Good luck with it! Cheers John :)

thanks for your reply..

the rise in temp when in traffic, was full on to the red part of the dial.

The fan, wasn't coming on at all, before it went in, which was why the switching unit was replaced, however i noticed that the fan came on when the ignition came on - that is not right! it should only come on when it starts going above optimum temperature (about 90 degrees). So ive asked them to sort that out..
 
options are ask for a compression test to see if head gasket has gone :idea: run van with water cap off radiator feeder tank bring van up to running temperature and see if it spits the water out if it the tank checks head gasket check oil for colour if a murky grey then suggests head gasket, if all the above pass buy some k seal from any motor factors and add this to your water excellent stuff ;)
 
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options are ask for a compression test to see if head gasket has gone :idea: run van with water cap off radiator feeder tank bring van up to running temperature and see if it spits the water out if it the tank checks head gasket check oil for colour if a murky grey then suggests head gasket, if all the above pass buy some k seal from any motor factors and add this to your water excellent stuff ;)

Yeah they will be doing comp test tomorrow, after checking the exhaust core/coil/coll whatever it was the guy said?

Ive read about a product called steelseal for blown head gaskets and warped seals, is that as good as K seal?
 
not sure used k seal on a couple of cars vans and not had a problem it costs about a tenner but to me it got me out of a hole :LOL:
 
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