Is 124 C too high a reading for cylinder head temperature? (This when gauge goes into red). Not sure if gauge giving false reading.

 

Yes that's far too high, shouldn't get above 90-100.

 

thanks for that info - will now need to take car for diagnostics as sensor, thermostat and coolants replaced. Strange thing is that the engine does not appear hot.

 

what's the symptoms? Is the gauge reading over half?

 

gauge stay midway when idling but goes into red fairly quickly when accelerating, as soon as you take foot off goes back to midway. Had newThermostat, sensor, radiator flushed and new coolant added. Only able to drive by keep taking foot off accelerator. Onboard diagnostics show temp of 104 when gauge midway and 124 when in red.

 

Could well be water pump on its way out or a blockage somewhere in the cooling system. Has it ever been run with just water in it? I'd try flushing the engine and radiator through then refilling with coolant, if that doesn't work then I'd be looking at the water pump.

 

Thanks for your reply. Radiator has been flushed through and coolant replaced but probably engine not flushed. What is the difference with it being run just with water??? Water pump looks new. Having new exhaust fitted today and am wondering if it could be blocked catalytic converter.

 

Antifreeze has a rust inhibitor in it, so if you run it with just water then you will get rust building up inside the water ways which will eventually cause a blockage in the system. I don't think it will be the cat, you will just notice a loss in power if that fails. It could also be worth changing the temperature sensor, it sits between number 2 and 3 spark plug. Check the wiring to it too for damage / breaks.

I'd also get the car up to normal running temperature then remove the radiator cap CAREFULLY, put a towel over the cap and release very slowly. Look in the tank and if there is a steady stream of bubbles coming up through, then i'd be looking at a head gasket issue.

 

Done as advised in para 2. Discovered no coolant is moving to expansion tank from radiator even when gauge in red! Top Hose cool. Heaters blowing hot as required.. ? water pump