1300 Cross Flow Over Heating

[rangerstuart]

went out on Saturday for a 70 mile round trip, got to destination fine all ran very well indeed, spluttered a bit when we hit TORRENTIAL rain, but that was my fault didnt protect the coil connectors. Anyway was supposed to be in a parade of vehicles going through a town, when mine overheated auto electric fan didnt kick in and started to kick out water from overflow on side of rad, temp gauge didnt go up to much really about half way. Waited for engine to cool down took out thermostat with the help from a rickman ranger owner, then connected front electric fan direct to battery so was perm on. Drove home and had to stop again after 25 miles same problem even with fan on constant, was a very hot day though. Plus the fan at front of rad is bloody small has to be said.
I have taken bottom hose of rad now, flushed it though then flushed through from thermostat housing as well, water flowing freely.
Going to re connect tonight, was going to last night but starter motor has decided to stick as well so need to release that.
Was wondering if anyone else had any over heating problems in the past and give me any pointers, going to check with rad top off and engine running to make sure water pump is pumping water through ok as well. I am thinking of fitting the fan on the engine so perm on when engine running and maybe a bigger rad, any advice would be greatfully accepted, if i can fit as a staight swop a bigger rad and mechanical fan can you tell me which ones to go for please.
cheers everyone,

[LuS1fer]

When this happened to me on a Cortina 1200, it was as simple as replacing the radiator cap. Boiling over is usually just air getting in, lowering the boiling point.

This was after a 300 mile round trip filling the rad from streams and rivers as I went.

Edited by LuS1fer on Tuesday 6th August 08:35

[rangerstuart]

Now thats interesting, i think someone else mentioned that and i thought really, but it makes sense when you think about it, will try that, replacing fan in next day or so to mechanical and moving rad to what looks like the original position as well. cheers for that makes sense.