punto overheating

[mr-white]

my bros M reg 1.1i punto keeps overheating. it never needs water or oil but wednesday the car was caughing and spluttering and then it overheated. now every time i drive to work (27 miles - 40 mins) it drains the water from above max to below minimum and theres no visable water leak. the temp gauge used to sit just above a quarter but its been going up to half. the car keeps caugh and spluttering very slightly usually when im pulling away even tho. the temps is normal. earlier i topped it up and left the engine ticking over for 5 mins and when i checked the water the water was bubbling already. any ideas ?

MW

[petros]

No expert but sounds like the head gasket has gone.

[pwig]

Headgasket.

[mr-white]

eep hope not thats gonna cost a fortune and the cars only worth about £800

just squeased a few pipes and its gargled more water. so topped it up agian but every time i turn the engine on the water level rises and over spills out.

MW

[mr-white]

my dad thinks its the thermostat, he said his car smoked when the headgasket went.

further note the oils fine, clean and plentiful even tho. it was hot

MW


>> Edited by mr-white on Thursday 18th August 22:39

[Alfa Mad]

Chances of the thermostat are fairly slim. 90% chance its the head gasket. It will get worse at an increasing rate....
The head will be warped and need skimmed flat again. Worse than that, it would likely cost £400 at a garage (to do it right).

[mr-white]

mechanic said its a good chance its the head gasket but he needs to run some more tests

MW

[pwig]

Alfa Mad said:

Chances of the thermostat are fairly slim. 90% chance its the head gasket. It will get worse at an increasing rate.... The head will be warped and need skimmed flat again. Worse than that, it would likely cost £400 at a garage (to do it right).

£600 at a main dealer.

That is a proper through job.

[mr-white]

yep head gaskets gone, about £3/400 from a local garage.

MW

[GreenV8S]

If it's burning water then you would be able to detect the leak very quickly with an HC tester.