Ford Focus overheating

[Elberto]

Been having problems with my 55 reg, 1.6 sport focus. The temp gauge goes through the roof sometimes, after only driving for ten minutes, but sometimes I can drive 40miles and it to be fine and only the fan to sound really loud. I have had it looked at twice now, had a new water pump fitted as the water kept on running out each day. Now the water level stays but either the temp gauge goes through the roof or the fan sounds so loud you can hear it from a fair distance away, or both.

The oil level is fine so I am not sure what it can be. Anyone got any ideas? The car has just over 100k miles on.

[stevieturbo]

Elberto said:

I have had it looked at twice now,

By whom, and what have they done ?

And has anyone checked to see if the temperature gauge is actually working correctly ?

[Steve_D]

stevieturbo said:

.....And has anyone checked to see if the temperature gauge is actually working correctly ?

Or the thermostat for that matter.

Steve

[Elberto]

I have been told it is the head gasket and it is going to cost me £550 to sort out

[maniac0796]

Check the thermostat housing isn't leaking.

[turbo nut]

sounds like possible head gasket

[seagrey]

Does the gauge just shoot up very quickly?
If so,change the cylinder head temp sensor first.
Between spark plugs 2&3,it bolts into a dry recess and measures the head temp rather than the coolant so no need to drain.
They fail reasonably frequently.
It can also cause the car to misfire at high readings,(The ecu`s attempt to aid cooling by shutting down fuel to half the cylinders)I suppose leading some to suspect h/g failure.