Renault Megane (1996 - 1998) - 98 1.4 unusual overheating prob

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sat 25 Oct 2008 18:03
98 1.4 unusual overheating prob - philpye
Hi
I have a 1998 Renault Megane 1.4 with an unusual overheating problem. It boiled over recently during 1st and 2nd gear work on the Hardknott Pass in the Lake District. It's just been to the garage as the electric fan wasn't kicking in, and had a new radiator thermocouple switch, thermostat and refilled with antifreeze and the system bled. The problem now is that from cold or when the engine has been allowed to cool down for 40 minutes or more on running it the temperature goes well into the danger zone and coolant boils over from the expansion tank. Immedately that happens the temp drops to usual running temp and runs as normal with no overheating, but if I let the engine cool down and top up again the problem occurs again. The elctric fan is working and keeps cutting in to allow it to run at normal temperature. Sometimes just before it boils over through the expansion tank I hear a whining type noise. It's not the fan operating but could it be a faulty water pump? Initially I thought the head gasket might be blown but the car runs as normal (not misfiring) and there is no water in the oil or on the underside of the filler cap. Like I say, the problem seems to be from a cold engine and once it's boiled over the temperature stabilises and the heater is normally warm although I wouldn't say it's hot.
It's been back to the garage a couple of times and they are unable to
determine what's happening.
Any suggestions please?

Phil

Edited by Pugugly on 25/10/2008 at 18:07

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Sat 25 Oct 2008 18:21
98 1.4 unusual overheating prob - yorkiebar
Odd set of faults. More than 1 problem I suspect.

But, garage hasnt cured the problem yet, assuming they knew full details of problem when it went in for repair.

Take it back, get them to sort!

It shouldnt need the electric cooling fan at this time of year except in an exceptional traffic jam scenario.

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Sat 25 Oct 2008 19:37
98 1.4 unusual overheating prob - Screwloose

The thermostat is late in opening - either faulty, in the wrong way round, or it's sitting in an gas pocket from a leaking head gasket.
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