!!! Ford Figo cooling problems !!!

[Harilall]

So on my 2004 fiesta 1.4i. I replaced the car with new thermostat as it didn't have one and also a new water bottle cap. However i bled the system and it worked fine but after it's switched off for a long period or overnight when i run the engine again it builds up air in the system and it doesn't allow the engine to cool .where the top pipe of the radiator is hot and the one going to the thermostat housing is cold and very hard due to pressure. I've bought the cap and thermostat from ford. Now I've been having this on going issues with it getting air and have to keep bleeding the system, but I'm not sure if it the head gasket that blowing fumes into the coolant and creating air in the system. Or it's this interior heater radiator that leaking but it's only got these stains and dampness but it's not leaking where you can see it physically and see drips. Will this cause the system to build up air?
I've removed the thermostat now to see how it runs and if it still builds up air and high pressure.
Please help guys I've read on this trend and see you guys having quite similar issues
Also the car tends to go in open loop on my diagnostics while driving and even sometimes at idle it just switches of on its own. But no overheating

I'm from Durban kzn

 

[TheChamp]

View attachment 1563304
So on my 2004 fiesta 1.4i. I replaced the car with new thermostat as it didn't have one and also a new water bottle cap. However i bled the system and it worked fine but after it's switched off for a long period or overnight when i run the engine again it builds up air in the system and it doesn't allow the engine to cool .where the top pipe of the radiator is hot and the one going to the thermostat housing is cold and very hard due to pressure. I've bought the cap and thermostat from ford. Now I've been having this on going issues with it getting air and have to keep bleeding the system, but I'm not sure if it the head gasket that blowing fumes into the coolant and creating air in the system. Or it's this interior heater radiator that leaking but it's only got these stains and dampness but it's not leaking where you can see it physically and see drips. Will this cause the system to build up air?
I've removed the thermostat now to see how it runs and if it still builds up air and high pressure.
Please help guys I've read on this trend and see you guys having quite similar issues
Also the car tends to go in open loop on my diagnostics while driving and even sometimes at idle it just switches of on its own. But no overheating

I'm from Durban kzn

That is definitely leaking, those stains did not just appear out of nowhere.

The cooling system is sealed so pressure will build up, I am not sure what you mean by air building up in the system.

You cooling system could also be blocked somewhere by scale deposits so you need to properly flush it.

Drain the coolant out, and pour water, run the engine ip to operating temperature with the heater on, you do this so that the water can circulate fully around the system. You will have to repeat this several times until the water is clear, preferably buy a radiator cleaner liquid, it will help break down the deposits. I use two bottles, pour in the first one, run the car to operating temperature and leave it overnight to do the work, then drain and pour the second bottle, run the car to operating temp then drain and flush with water, make sure all the radiator cleaner is flushed from system.

The switching off on its own could be due to fuel issue, or ignition, check fuel pump relay, coil or HT leads, the pump could also be an issue but start with the simplest least expensive parts first.

 

[Tman*]

Top tip, if you are stuck in traffic with an overheating car you open the fan and heater full blast, works like a charm, it helps that you anticipate this before the needle goes all the way.

Top tip. Get your car fixed so you don't need to deal with this type of situations.

 

[TheChamp]

Top tip. Get your car fixed so you don't need to deal with this type of situations.

Okay, since you had to respond, here is the rationale, If the car is overheating it is already broken and will have to be fixed, that however does not stop you from taking measures to limit the extent of the damage, replacing a fan, water bottle or a thermostat is much more cheaper than dealing with a head gasket.

 

[cpsljc]

Hi Guys

2011 Ford Figo 1.4 Ambiente
102 000km

Replaced the waterpump December 2017 since it was leaking.

Since then the car was fine however the last few weeks I've heard a running water noise from behind the glove box compartment.
-From what I gather that could be standard on a Ford, an airlock or shortage of water but I've never heard it before.

I do not use my AC much because prior to the water pump replacement it helped with the water loss obviously. 3 days ago I used my AC because my window fogged up the morning. That afternoon the water coolant level light came on. Obviously the water level is very hard to test while the car is warm so I added clean water to make it to home and let the car cooldown.

The water level was very low when I checked it after it cooled down so I added Antifreeze/water mixture similar to the type which was used. Idle the car to try and get any air out. Took it for a spin and heard that running water noise for a while.

Drove 1 day and the next day the light popped back on during the first 10min of driving.

What I did notice the day before:
-When I use my heater (not AC) I get a smell of antifreeze in my cabin and even some steam that enter through my vents. I assumed it was from the antifreeze I rinsed of from the water tank
-There is no water leaking on the ground anyware
-My oil cap has no white residue on and neither does my dipstick and also no smoke from my exhaust.
-The fan does go on when the water level light pops on. and thus far the car haven't overheated yet probably because I park and let it cool down to add water

Possible problems?

Thanks guys

I had the same problem only to find that when the engine overheats the head and the block gets warped from the high temperature.The head and block is made from aluminium.The head and the block must be skimmed to fix the problem.The red light will come after you have tried everything you can think of , standard things replacement of the water pump if damaged , thermostat,the cap the water bottle must still be looked at also.

 

[Stokstert]

I had the same problem only to find that when the engine overheats the head and the block gets warped from the high temperature.The head and block is made from aluminium.The head and the block must be skimmed to fix the problem.The red light will come after you have tried everything you can think of , standard things replacement of the water pump if damaged , thermostat,the cap the water bottle must still be looked at also.

The latest MyBB mechanic and know it all.