Car overheats and no Heat?

Question

1992 Ford Tempo 2.3l.

I have very little heat inside the car, usually just enough to clear the windows, but the car will overheat in summer and sometimes winter (even at -35C). I've had the thermostat changed 4 times, the rad changed once, fan changed once, and both the head & head gasket changed once. The system was flushed three times by two different mechanics and neither reported any blockages. The only thing left that I can think of is the water pump or the heater core. What would be my best bet or is there something else I should be looking at?

Answer 1

It's either a blocked or plugged heater core. Pull both hoses off for the heater core (one from the radiator and the other froom the intake). Put a garden hose onto either heater core tube and turn on the water.It should flow easily through the core and out the other tube. If it does not you need a heater core. If it builds pressure then lets go I've just fixed your problem. If it flows easily and you still have no flow there is another problem somewhere. Good luck, I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Try changing the air filter -easy to do on most cars especially a Ford. This should be changed once a year. It is advisable to remove it just after the Summer and either replace it (if too dirty) or give it a damn good vacuum blow.
The purpose of the air filter is to trap dust, dirt and general road crap. If it gets clogged with dirt etc, the car may fail to start. It also confuses the thermostat, reduces the car performance and leads to overheating (even at low temperatures).
A head gasket should only need changing every 80000-100000 miles. The thermostat only has a 'switching life'. Flushing the engine
does suggest coolant seeping into the fuel and clogging the system but as you have changed the head gasket (at a charge of around £250 no doubt) this cannot be the problem. I recommend that you change the air filter (this costs about £10 and can be done by yourself in about 5 minutes). I also recommend that you put some Redex in with your fuel next time you fill up. Redex is available at Halfords and most garages. Redex clears the fuel lines and lubricates the pistons.
Finally invest in a Haynes manual (about £15) and avoid the garage.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Your possibilities are:

Bad water pump.

Bad serpentine belt.

Collapsed hoses.

Air pocket

Cracked block

I would guess a cracked block. Test the radiator fluid for the presence of combustion byproducts. They sell simple test kits at most auto stores.

Answer 4

Water pump

Answer 5

If it's running hot but you dont have heat coming through the heater it's your thermostat. or you dont have water in the radiator.

Answer 6

You have a blockage some place good luck finding it

Answer 7

you probably need to check if you have water...sometim it heats up because of that!!