My car started overheating slightly on 3 completely random occasions, usually when warming down the car after driving (turbo). The temp gauge only hits 1-2 bars over the norm, and I shut the car off.
Inspecting it myself right after the first overheat (only made it 1 bar over the usual temperature), I noticed that the coolant resevoir was too full. It’s always been right on the “MAX” level since being flushed last year. The cooling system has never given any problems at all since buying the car.
No coolant is visibly leaking anywhere at all. Coolant mixture is correct. Cannot see oil or bubbling in the resevoir. Took it in to my mechanic each time, and he couldn’t find anything suspect either.
I replaced the rad cap to a CT one and drove it watchfully for a week without issues, sometimes driving it hard and idling for a while without issue as a way to test if load causes overheating (which it doesn’t seem to). Finally after a soft drive it went 1 bar over normal temperature again when warming the car down. Replaced rad cap to a Greddy one as security anyway.
I’ve also noticed what sounds like occasional belt squeal from the front of the car, and I can’t remember the last time i’ve heard the “fire engine” clutch fan really going at it…both of which adds the clutch fan to my list of suspicions. (I can, however, feel it blowing air when the engine is running - i’m just not sure if it’s running strong enough or not)
The third time, last night, out of nowhere it went 1-2 bars above normal again with the Greddy rad cap, this time while driving, so I knew that the cap didn’t fix the issue. So now i’m not going to drive it around anymore until I can figure this out.
Suspecting:
– Clutch fan slipping
– Sticking thermostat
– Blockage of some form - needing coolant flush
– Possible temp gauge/coolant temp sensor/wiring problem
COLES: It’s randomly overheating, rad cap did not fix the issue, when it starts to overheat the coolant resevoir fills up (no oil or bubbling visible), mixture of coolant is correct, hearing belt squeals, will randomly drive fine for days but then randomly start to overheat.
Any similar experiences/suggestions before I take this in for a closer look?
