What is causing my Ford Puma to overheat?

My 11-year-old Ford Puma 1.6, 90,000 miles did run and drive like new, but now has an overheating problem that has baffled my garage. It has a new water pump and thermostat. After 10-12 miles the temperature gauge shoots up and the fan cuts in and stays on, but the radiator remains very cool. The rad has been flushed out.

Asked on 9 March 2013 by MB, Bournemouth

Answered by Honest John

What usually happens with small Fords is that the electric valve between the coolant pipes from the engine and the heater matrix fails. If it has somehow stopped the circulation of coolant entirely then that would lead to the overheating.

Tags: temperature overheating coolant

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