Another overheating thread!

[andrewdodd13]

I didn't really think to ask this here, but anyway. Forgive my lack of vocabulary on some of the more technical bits...

Back before the "big freeze" (or whatever they're calling it), when doing motorway trips (15+ miles at 60mph+) my car (97 Toyota Starlet) starts heating up. At speeds above 60, it'll get progressively hotter (didn't try it past 70). Slow down to about 60 and it starts to cool. You can go forever at 60 (like a 2hr trip along A roads) and it'll be fine.

I've changed the thermostat (and drained the coolant completely and refilled) and radiator cap. If you leave the cap off and start the car you can see the water start to move, so I can only assume the thermostat is opening and the water pump working.

The radiator is looking a bit bare (as in, there are hardly any wee fins going between the vertical bar... things) and I'm thinking it might be this. I hope it's not though, they're rather expensive.

The fan works, it's on as I pull up after the 2 miles at 30 between the dual-carriageway and my house.

I haven't been driving my usual commute (20 miles each way) that often in the cold, but when I do it doesn't appear to be heating up.

Any ideas?

 

[The Edge]

You'd think it would cool better the faster you go to a point.

Missing fins won't help, so it may be worth trying a new rad. If there is water circulating, no air locks working fan, and no water loss with a new stat it can't really be much else

 

[Maccapacca]

Water pump, some cars had problems with plastic impelors

 

[Locky]

Sounds like water pump to me.

 

[andrewdodd13]

Cheers guys, I'll take it off and have a look when it warms up a bit outside.