Ford Fiesta (1995 - 1999) - 98 1.4 Engine overheating - Intermittent Heater | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Sat 23 Jan 2010 18:04

98 1.4 Engine overheating - Intermittent Heater - wiv678

Engine overheating - Intermittent Heater

Hi all,

Just aborted journey from Liverpool to Bradford as Engine overheated. Things started to go wrong when the blower started pumping out cold air (from initially being on full hot). Temperature gauge then quickly rose to red. Slowed down, but bubbling noise from engine bay persuaded me to stop. Water level slightly below "min" level, but I've not checked it in months so am not sure if its related. Opened up water cap (lots of steam), topped up and drove off 20 mins later. Same problem 2 mins after driving, no warm air from blower, and temp gauge rose to red.

I decided to get off motor way and try and limp back from Manchester on slower roads. Heater began blowing out hot air again as I travelled back down the East Lancs. Got the car back up to 60mph with temperature gauge back to normal. Every so often the heater would jump back to blowing cold air out and then return to hot. Turned heater off when going through Mersey Tunnel and temp gauge started to rise again. Turned blower on when out of tunnel but remained on cold whatever I did. Temps again stared to rise but stuck to slow roads and then got home before it became too serious.

I've read a fair few explanations for this problem on this and other sites but am not sure if they describe exactly what I have written above. The best answer so far seem to be replacing the Heater Control Valve though Other solutions such as flushing the cooling system and collapsed pipes seem just as plausible. If any body has any ideas then I would be very grateful to hear them. Also, if you need anymore info from me i'll do my best to answer your questions.

Thanks for taking the time to read

Adam

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Sat 23 Jan 2010 18:31

98 1.4 Engine overheating - Intermittent Heater - Cef 30

Hi
it could be a faulty thermostat which is only working intermittently. It would also be the one of the cheaper options

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Sat 23 Jan 2010 18:54

98 1.4 Engine overheating - Intermittent Heater - Englishbullterrier

Hi

it could be a faulty thermostat which is only working intermittently. It would also be

the one of the cheaper options.

And a good place to start for a cheap diagnostic action. It would be good to rule out a defective thermostat from the start.....

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Sat 23 Jan 2010 20:53

98 1.4 Engine overheating - Intermittent Heater - Peter.N.

If the heater fails its usually a sign that either the coolant level is low or it has air/steam in the system, first eliminate the thermostat as already suggested then have it checked for head gasket leakage.

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Sun 24 Jan 2010 10:40

98 1.4 Engine overheating - Intermittent Heater - SimonB84

I had the same problem. Turned out to be the thermostat for me, make sure you flush the system after you?ve done the stat.

I?d check to make sure the head gasket?s ok seems as you continued to drive the car while it was overheating

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