strange Overheating

[chrystal]

First time today 4L overheated, gauge went all the way up to H and check gauge came on. stopped let it cool down and made it home ...just. Also the revs went from 750 at idle (normal) to when overheating at idle 1500 revs.

Checked oil, level ok. No water in oil, or oil in water, no white cloud. When checking at home from cold it sarted fine, warm up to the normal place on the guage and normal revs. Then noticed the revs increase and checked guage, it went to near H again. All the time the car was stationary. I noticed that the pressure increase in the top hose from quite squeezy to very hard when hot.

I had the radiator cap off but didnt seem to see any movement in the water. Put the cap back on. when hot tried the cap and the water came out under a lot of pressure but wasnt very hot.

Tried the fan as described on here, not much free movement - turn but not spin if that makes sense.

I have had many cars overheat in the past - but never had the revs increase.

Any ideas please?

 

[RangRayy]

check the thermostat it might be malfunctioning and staying closed off which means its bad. its an easy fix and the part isnt very expensive. thats my guess i had this problem a couple weeks ago.

 

[gijoecam]

THe thermostat is stuck closed, plain and simple. $7 part, and make sure you get the o-ring for the housing as well.

 

[chrystal]

Thanks for your replies - feel happier now!

In the UK the parts come to £21 from Fords - only place we can get genuine Ford spares from. $33 !!

 

[gijoecam]

The Ford thermostat should have a gasket included in the box with it. you shouldn't need the separate gasket.