Overheating Engine

Teasey

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to ask this question - apologies in advance if I'm wrong

I drive a 01 Peugeot 206 and this morning while I was battling the mental traffic, my engine started to overheat. I first noticed a bit of steam coming out from under the bonnet so I started watching the temperature gauge which continued to rise until the word "STOP" started flashing underneath the mileage clock. I was stuck in a line of traffic at this stage and it was crawling along so I had to pull into a housing estate and drive around in a higher gear for a while to cool it down before I could continue on my way

This has happened a couple of times before when I'm stuck in traffic for a long time but always cools back down once I get moving again. My fear is that I won't be in a position to get moving one day and I'll conk out in the middle of the road!

Anyway, my question is would this be a problem with the engine itself or is it something I'm doing wrong?

Gary ITR

Teasey wrote: »

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to ask this question - apologies in advance if I'm wrong

I drive a 01 Peugeot 206 and this morning while I was battling the mental traffic, my engine started to overheat. I first noticed a bit of steam coming out from under the bonnet so I started watching the temperature gauge which continued to rise until the word "STOP" started flashing underneath the mileage clock. I was stuck in a line of traffic at this stage and it was crawling along so I had to pull into a housing estate and drive around in a higher gear for a while to cool it down before I could continue on my way

This has happened a couple of times before when I'm stuck in traffic for a long time but always cools back down once I get moving again. My fear is that I won't be in a position to get moving one day and I'll conk out in the middle of the road!

Anyway, my question is would this be a problem with the engine itself or is it something I'm doing wrong?

Don't drive your car while it's overheating, this could turn a cheap fix into a much bigger problem

It could be any number of things, a leak, fan problem, thermostat or something much more horrible and expensive. Best to have it looked at by a mechanic.

bbam

Hi..
Can't really be anything you're doing...
If you cant do it yourself have someone check the coolant level and ensure that the fan on the radiator is working...

You really shouldnt let this happen again as it is likely to toast the engine at some stage...

If you do get stuck again ensure to turn the heater on full heat and max fan as this will help disapate more heat from the system...

Best get it checked Soon..
Cheers

trad

First thing check is there any coolant left in the radiator, probably not a lot if it's overheating. Fill up the cooling system and see if it is leaking any where. It's possible that
(a) you have a leak in a hose or radiator
(b) your water pump is leaking
(c) your head gasket is gone
(d) your cooling fan is not working.


When you refill the radiator start the engine and see if there are bubbles in the coolant, if there is there is a good chance te head gasket is gone. Likewise if there is steam or water coming out of you exhaust head gasket is suspect. Have you seen any rusty coulourd water under your car?

Bottom line have it looked at straight away or elso you will need a new engine.

Scouserfan

Hi Teasey,

This needs to be looked at by a mechanic urgently. If you continue to let it overheat you will do permanent major damage costing zillions.
You could have one of the following faults;

1) Faulty fan or coolant temp sensor not allowing fan to cut in-most likely !
2) Thermostat sticking not allowing water to circulate engine
3) Faulty water pump not pumping water around engine
4) Actual water/coolant leak
5) Leaking cylinder head gasket or cracked head

Either way any mechanic worth their salt should be able to diagnose.

Scouserfan

trad wrote: »

First thing check is there any coolant left in the radiator, probably not a lot if it's overheating. Fill up the cooling system and see if it is leaking any where. It's possible that
(a) you have a leak in a hose or radiator
(b) your water pump is leaking
(c) your head gasket is gone
(d) your cooling fan is not working.


When you refill the radiator start the engine and see if there are bubbles in the coolant, if there is there is a good chance te head gasket is gone. Likewise if there is steam or water coming out of you exhaust head gasket is suspect. Have you seen any rusty coulourd water under your car?

Bottom line have it looked at straight away or elso you will need a new engine.

never fill your car with water when engine is hot or you could do serious damage

Teasey

Wow that was fast!

Thanks a mil for all the replies - was afraid it was going to be something like that. Though as a recent learner (only driving 2 years, full licence one year) I'm always ready to blame myself for any problems first!

Best get to a garage......

dudara

It sounds as if the fan (or the controlling sensor) on the radiator isn't working correctly. When driving at speed, the airflow through the engine helps cool it, but at lower speeds, the fan failure becomes noticeable.

Running the heater in the cabin also helps alleviate the symptoms - but it's only a short term fix. I did this for a few weeks when a bearing went on the fan in my old Punto.

However, there could be other things going on too. Get it checked out. You don't want it to turn into a bigger problem.

$lash

I would say your fan isnt cutting in - if its only heating when stopped and cooling down after a bit of a run .... Check your coolant level (when the car is cold!!) and make sure its at the right level - then leave the car ticking over keeping an eye on the temp gauge and see if you can hear the fan cut in.