HI,

I have a problem with my car overheating. It's losing a load of water somewhere around either the heater matrix or where the two hoses go in... it's very wet there and there is always a puddle under my car. Anyhow, I know this will cause some of the overheating but I think I may also have a problem with the radiator. The top hose gets really hot, but the bottom hose stays cold. If I pour water through the top of the radiator, it does come out of the drain hole, so I'm guessing it's not blocked. I've changed the thermostat (bought on ebay from Jorily). Still the same problem.. I tested the old one (with the boiling water) and it stays closed, which would make sense. Did the same with the new one, which is open... and stays open.. I didn't think that should happen. Changing the thermostat isn't much fun in this car (just a thought, can it be put in wrong?)

Can anyone suggest anything? I'm so tired of driving with one eye on the temp guage and being cooked because the heaters are on full blast..

ANyhow, hope this makes sense.. Thanks for any help

Fleecie

first of all fix the leak, it will need a new heater matrix, easily fitted (yes it does just slide out), then start looking for other problems. the bottom hose will stay cold almost all of the time, are you sure it is actually getting too hot as it could well be a dodgy temp sender but get the leak sorted before you cause headgasket damage!!!

Thanks for replying. I'll get a new matrix then for starters, and see if that fixes the leak problem. As for the cylinder head gasket.. I'll save that for another thread!

Right, off to order a matrix..

Thanks again, much appreciated.