I have a Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec petrol car. On my way into work I noticed that the dashboard had a red warning light ignite, on checking I noticed my temperature gauge had gone into the red. I managed to get to work and checked the coolant level to find that it was almost empty!!!! I check this regularly, there is no leak and I also checked the oil inlet to make sure there was no sludge as I thought maybe it could be the head gasket! My car took almost four litrs of water and this am I checked it again and the level is down to minimum.....any advice please....the gauge at present is reading normal
Have you looked for any leaks - when the engine is hot you will see steam and when its cooled took for "rust" steaks on the engine as a sign of water leaking - also check the oil filler cap, if the underside has got a coating of white frothy stuff (can't remember the right name!), your head gasket has gone....
BTW if that red temperature light goes on, never, ever, keep going! Pull over and refill it with water, otherwise instead of just a gasket you'll need a new engine!!!!
Thanks for you advice guys. My car is 5 years old and has only done 44.000 miles. There appear to be no loeaks at all and no sludge in oil filler cap as that is the first thing I looked for, but yet again this am the car coolant is empty.....going to consult fords....
Originally posted by ZIL CO: Not a maine dealer though surely
Unlikely. Bit of a trek from the UK ....
_________________________ "Forward", he cried, from the rear, and the front rank died. And the General sat, and the lines on the map moved from side to side.
going to take it nto a garage tomorrow....not a main dealer but they specialise in fords.....thats if I manage to get it there...plenty of water bottles to hand i think!
and guys before you say it.....yes I am a woman but by no means a silly one!!! I know where the oil and water goes. I know how to change a light bulb...do my tyres etc and can put a plug on an appliance I also know one or two things about classic cars......
I know the guy who is going to fix it and he is 100% trustworthy! I found a leak last night...it's not a hose but appears to be coming from the thermostat housing...maybe just the gasket?
I have had the car done and just to let you know it was indeed the thermostat housing. I had to have a new thermostat, new thermostat housing and plenty of replacement coolant....total cost of £30.00 parts and £58.18 labour and vat!!!!
