Fiat punto mk2 overheating

[Charley1985]

Got an mk2 punto 2002 plate
Overheating caused it to stall 5 times today and as a new driver it made me look stupid
Coolant has been filled so it's not that, top rubber pipe going to fan was boiling hot, heater heats up, what could be causing this issue, I've not much money as just shelled out for its MOT. I'm hoping it's not the head gasket

[Vitorio]

Charley1985 said:

Got an mk2 punto 2002 plate
Overheating caused it to stall 5 times today and as a new driver it made me look stupid
Coolant has been filled so it's not that, top rubber pipe going to fan was boiling hot, heater heats up, what could be causing this issue, I've not much money as just shelled out for its MOT. I'm hoping it's not the head gasket

How does the coolant look? Any signs of oil in there?

There might also be an air bubble in the system, you could try opening the bleed screws (there is probably one on a coolant hose going from the engine towards the bulkhead to feed warm water to the heater) to see if there is air in there.

Also, next time dont keep going if it overheats so bad that it stalls, if the coolant is actually boiling hot, chances are you will knacker the headgasket even if it wasnt already. If you notice the temp gauge going over 90, either back off or shut the car down entirely to let temps drop again.