Fixed temp guage -overheating? MK3Fiesta

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Sat 17 Feb 2007 14:33
Fixed temp guage -overheating? MK3Fiesta - Rattle
I finally fixed it this morning.

I have discovered after a 4-6 mile journey the gauge is in the middle is this normal? My dads escort would only do this after about 60 miles or so. The radiator fan does not come on at all so I am wondering if this is connected.

If I touch the radiator its hot but it dosn't burn me, the engine itself is really quite hot, after 5 miles the manifold would burn me if I touch it too long.

Am I right in thinking the heat my not be getting to the radiator properly? There are no signs of any leaks and the hoses are fine but I guess there may be an air lock.

Also the anti freeze seems to bubbling a little bit in the expansion tank, but I have lost no coolant at all in the past 50 miles and the steam I was getting was just condensation so there is no sign of any head gasket failure at all.
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Sat 17 Feb 2007 14:43
Fixed temp guage -overheating? MK3Fiesta - Simon
Your car sounds like it is behaving normally. They are designed to heat up quickly and on a Ford it is normal for the needle on the guage to be in the middle at its correct operating temperature.

Your dads Escort sounds like it had some cooling system problems all of its own. Either he had a dodgy temperature guage sensor or most likely a knackered thermostat.
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Sat 17 Feb 2007 15:53
Fixed temp guage -overheating? MK3Fiesta - mfarrow
As I've said before, if it's sitting in the NORM range on the guage then this is fine.

Exhaust manifold will burn you're skin - don't touch it.

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Mike Farrow
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Sat 17 Feb 2007 16:02
Fixed temp guage -overheating? MK3Fiesta - piston power
A quick check of the fan is to bridge out the two wires that control the fan to see if it works? not sure were it is on your car either the rad or themostat housing, if it works great may req a new switch, but your car seem's quite normal as mentioned DON'T TOUCH THE MANIFOLD!! it will get very hot in less than a minute thats the idea to expell the heat quick.
give it a run from time to time to stop the mayo and you will have got it just right!! good luck..
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