406 1.9 TD - ENGINE OVERHEATING AND FAN HEATER NOT WORKING!

[andyg345]

A problem developed today with my 406 1.9 TD.

I think there's been a slight leak from the radiator for a couple of months as there's occasionaly steam coming from one side of it and the coolant level has needed topping up every few weeks.

The two biggest problems came earlier - I started the engine (outside temp was about -2.0 oC) and drove the car for about ten minutes. Normally the cockpit heater is blasting out hot air within a couple of minutes but it now just blows out cold air constantly. Not only that, it seems that the engine is also overheating. The temperature gauge under normal driving conditions stays at around 90oC however it was up to 110oC earlier.

As I've not had a Winter service this year, I don't think there's been any Anti-Freeze added to the engine in the last 12+ months.

Any help would be much appreciated!!

[steve_earwig]

Engine full of air locks. Drain, decent antifreeze mix, Radweld and a bleed. Hold on, you've been topping it up with plain water? I don't think it'll get cold enough to crack your block tonight but drain the lot out if you're worried.

[teamster1975]

Check for leaks around the bottom rad hose and thermostat area. The seal on the 'stat perishes and the "conrad" fitting that joins the bottom hose to the rad suffers badly from rust!
I suffered exactly the same thing and ended up replacing virtually the entire cooling system, just the age of the car I guess