You are in: > Home > A1 Catalogue > DIY Helpline

Ford Fiesta Zetec S 1600 16v (mk5) 2001

Hi,

My son has a problem with the above car overheating.  We have changed the thermostat but still the same. (twice)

A local mechanic said this would cure it, but its still the same.  We've even put it the other way just in case, but still overheats.

We have left it out for the time being but it runs cold.  We have also flushed the system with rad flush.  I have noticed that the hot & cold tap does not work (stuck on hot, think it could be a fuse (can't find a cable) but don't think this would cause this problem.

Could it be the head gasket?? or even the water pump??  the local mechanic does not think so but he is to busy to have a look.

When it over heats it blows water out of the header tank but you can't see any traces of oil in the water.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Ian



Hi Ian,

Yes it could easily be a head gasket problem...some questions to ask....

When the car starts up and when running are there signs of white/greyish smoke coming from the exhaust?
After a journey does the water need topping up?

If either of these things happen, a head gasket should be suspected.

There is a simple test a good mechanic can do - it's called a "Sniffer Test" using a special tool with a special chemical in it which is blue in colour, it is placed in the Radiator or Header Tank and gases from the engine are drawn through it...

If the blue liquid changes colour through any shades of green to yellow, then the head gasket has gone, if it stays blue it hasn't.

This test can be done by any garage and shouldn't cost a lot, if your mechanic hasn't got this kit...find one who has and get him to do it.

Should the head gasket have blown...please make sure that the cylinder head is skimmed before it's replaced otherwise you'll be replacing it again within a short period of time.

Let me know if this is any help to you...I like to know how you get on, your experiences will help others on our free help website.

Good luck.

Regards
Bill



Thanks for your email.

There is no grey smoke from the exhaust or no loss of water either.  I'll get him to take it to another mechanic and have it tested like you advised us.  I'll let you know what the outcome is.

Thanks
Ian



Hi Ian,

I would certainly do that, it is not unknown for thermostats to be faulty - so a different one might be worth a try.

Also a Cooling System Cleaner might help....A1 Motor Stores sell some very good ones...these clean out blockages usually in the rad that can also cause the symptoms you describe.

If I can help you further - let me know.

Good luck
Bill