head gasket

[Alchemilla]

Hi

I just joined although we've had our Corsa for 18 months. Recently fitted a new head gasket as the engine was taking ages to warm up and no heat in car. Been working fine for 2 weeks. Then went out this morning, temperature shot up when I restarted after going to a shop. Stopped, let it cool down, noticed no heat in car. Decided to limp home, but stopped again to let it cool down and the battery was dead. Called Green Flag. He came out and of course it started. He checked and all the water had gone (topped up 3 days ago). He filled it up and let it run for a bit. Same thing happening. He said I should drive home and he would follow. Managed to get home. Engine still very hot. Other half removed the thermostat and cooked it and it was jammed shut. Tried running the car without, but air getting into system and still boiling. Water pump seems ok. Any ideas? Can it be the HG, can you run the car with no thermostat for a short length of time? Any help and advice gratefully received.

Jacqui

[coupe77]

You can run the engine without a thermostat just means it will run cool
Are your rad hoses hard when the engine running
Have you got any visible water leaks
What engine is in your car

[pdrpaul]

just a thought but did you remove head in correct sequence and check it was true might be very slightly warped allowing coolant to escape slowly..

[Volvomeg]

Its not the loosening off thats as important as the cleaning and tighting back up again correctly,

Worth getting head skimmed and pressure tested while its off aswell to reduce the risk of it happening again

[Alchemilla]

Head gasket had gone, several holes timing chain end, water and oil in ports round no. 1 piston. One of the water ports blocked with mayo. The head is being skimmed tomorrow.

Jacqui

[Alchemilla]

Can you clean the egr valve as it seems very dirty? Thanks

Jacqui

[andy w]

Yes you can alchemilla remove it and use some carb cleaner and i would check tue piston in the egr is free moving. I would advise replacinh the gasket when refitting the egr

[Alchemilla]

Thanks a lot.

Jacqui

[How l Roll]

Running an engine without a thermostat doesn't mean it will run cool. It will be unregulated.

[johnny]

If you run without a stat the engine can only run cool, it is unregulated like you said but it's always circulating fresh cold coolant