4age over heating issues

[Low Style]

Hi all,

I have no end of drama's with my 4age. For some reason it keeps on over heating only after small drives. It can sit and idle/rev in the garage no dramas for ages but as soon as its driven it over heats quickly.

I have fixed all leaks the water pump had, brand new alloy radiator 10" thermo fan and it still over heating. Thermosat was replaced about a month ago and has driven 3 times.

1st time: leaking from bottom of water pump - re gasketed and sealed - fixed
2nd time: no leaks but top tank of my excel radiator expanded causing leaking. - due to pressure...
3rd time: new alloy rad, all leaks dealt with little longer drive started idling funny got up to 100deg when i pulled into my garage, opened bonnet and BOOM back hose of the engine comes off coolant everywhere.

Possible reasons for my issues:

Radiator cap not releasing pressure - Issue occurred on two different radiators
thermostat stuffed - It's new but haven't replaced
System not bleed. - have re-bleed the engine

Question:

Can i run the engine without a thermostat, or am i best to replace it?

[Matt]

You can run without a thermostat, though it would take allot longer to get up to temp + cause it to run cold more so on free way driving. Taking it out is a quick / easy check to do.

Bleed the system, but you'd have a bouncing idle as soon as any form of temp gets into the car.

Is the radiator cap common to each radiator?

If that doesn't work, get your radiator pressure tested + that check they do to detect oil in the coolant.

[Sam-Q]

have you considered a head gasket leak?

[Low Style]

Matt - have bleed the system and caps are what came with each radiator. But will take it out and test

Sam Q - It was brand new before this Jibba Jabba started happening. but it is a thought in the back of my mind!

[LittleRedSpirit]

Did you test the thermostat before installation?

However I run a car with no bypass and im sure that before the thermostat opens I have absolutely no problems with pressure build up.

Is the radiator blocked?

Is everything hooked up as per the factory when it comes to cooling hoses?

If everything is as it should be have the compression tested.

You may have initially had a thermostat failure that has lead to overheating. Then that may have led to a BHG.

Is the coolant getting foamy from having combustion gasses or oil in it?

Is there water in the oil?

[Low Style]

Hi Matt,

Coolant doesn't appear to have oil or get foam.

I'm going to rip out the thermostat tonight

[Low Style]

I bleed the system again and ran it for ages to make sure there wasn't any air in the system. seemed to be going fine. took if for a short drive (500m)and coolant pissing out my bonnet.

got it home and my over flow bottle is full and is leaking coolant from where the back of the water pump meets the block.

I'm so feed up with this fucking car, anyone want to buy it? or is there a decent person/workshop i can leave it at until its driveable..

[Matt]

I'd be getting the head checked.... Who built the engine?

[Sprinter Freak]

This is going to sounds really silly, but have you checked whether your themo fan is blowing air the right way? might explain why it only gets hot when your take it for drives and not while sitting still.

[Low Style]

Matt - Timbo and I did it. havent had any dramas until the old pump thorw the clutch fan off.....

Sprinter freak - Checked and its correct as per the markings on the fan itself.