General Splutter Overheated Today

[Steven]

I was sitting in very heavy traffic in Splutter this morning on my way to collect someone from the train station. Normally he is fine in traffic, the fan kicks in and he sits about 90 degrees or just over. The cooling system was flushed not long ago and a new thermostat and hose fitted. He had a new expansion tank cap recently as well.

Anyway, I was sitting with the radio on and didn't notice the temp gauge creeping up. When I did notice it the temp was one notch off the red mark. I pulled in at the first opportunity, lefted the bonnet and wiggled the "hedgehog" to get the fan running. There was coolant coming from the expansion tank cap. Once the fan kicked in the temp dropped quickly to the normal 90 degrees.

The car is running fine since but is there likely to be any damage because of this? I know it's not good for the head gasket, what should I be looking for?

Has anyone done away with that stupid earth hedgehog thing and earthed the wires to the inner wing with a bolt?

 

[allen fletcher]

You may be very lucky and no damage at least you stopped the engine and let it cool down? filled up with water to correct level. Keep and eye on the expansion tank level over next few days you should be ok.
Never removed the poor earth fitting but one bolt through the inner wing to new earth point would be a better idea. my 2000 4x4 trekking has one bolt for the earth fixing, my sisley has the old method of fixing but its not a day car, so fiat got rid of the old earth problem.

 

[Steven]

Thanks Allen. Yes, I stopped the car and let it cool before continuing. I topped the coolant up when I got home and I will keep an eye on the level. Hopefully it won't drop!

My old 93 CLX had the newer one bolt earth fixing, the older style is a disaster. Definitely on my list of things to do.

I've never had a Panda get that hot before so I panicked a bit. The last thing I need now is to be doing the head gasket!

 

[Nuova500]

I cleaned my hedgehogs up and graesed them and they have been fine, not had any probs for ages. Trouble with a bolt is its a right pain when one circuit gives up, you have to go through them all!

 

[Steven]

I cleaned mine 6 months ago Barry and gave them a blob of grease to keep them happy. I think it's just a bad way to earth connections.

 

[zulu705]

Forgive me for butting in, but where is this 'hedgehog' thing in the engine bay?

 

[tashman]

What what on earth is the Hedgehog? And why would I want a prickly animal under my bonnet?
Do tell!

 

[Steven]

On the passengers side inner wing. Beside the water container for the wash/wipe.

 

[Nuova500]

I agree, it is a bit naff, like anything metal age catches up in the end. I find they work OK till you touch them or accidently knock one when doing something else, its like they are hibernating and dont like being woken!

 

[oldernowiser]

On the passengers side inner wing. Beside the water container for the wash/wipe.

You might find another smaller one on the opposite inner wing - much further back, near the bulkhead.

 

[Steven]

My 750 had only the one, I suppose it depends on the model.

Anyway, good news. I was out this morning in heavy traffic and drove 30 miles with no issues. He's starting, heating up, cooling down and generally running well.

 

[allen fletcher]

Great news check the expansion bottle once a week its cheeper than spending time taking the head off to sort a gasket out don,t forget antifreeze in a few months time, you dont need a cracked head cos its frozen solid or a ripped cam belt.

 

[Steven]

True enough. Thanks Allen.

 

[oldernowiser]

don,t forget antifreeze in a few months time, you dont need a cracked head cos its frozen solid or a ripped cam belt.

It's best to have good antifreeze in all the time:

it stops the corrosion which is part of the head gasket problem.

it raises the boiling point, which is useful when the fan doesn't run

 

[Steven]

I always use a 50/50 mix personally.

 

[allen fletcher]

Me to just keep the eye on that expantion tank level, I do mine every week when I check the oil level, and washer bot.

 

[Steven]

You're more organised than me Allen, I check only when the notion takes me.

 

[allen fletcher]

Bad boy take advise from an old man, check every week these are old ladys and need a little attention to keep them running sweet. Better a few min's. each week remember to check oil and water, petrol will look after its self. Be wise and safe

 

[Steven]

Good advice. I'll endeavour to follow it.

I'll not tell Splutter you called him a lady though!

 

[Bougainvillea Rosso]

Old Gentlemen can sometimes lose a little fluid too