1987 Ford Fiesta L

[k11ngsley]

Radiator fan switch is now on order.

Next test is to replace and see whether the fan kicks in and stops it from boiling over.

If so then perhaps it was as simple as that!

Will continue to flush the cooling system a few more times while I wait as it’s still quite contaminated.

Will also need to replace the pipe I mentioned, this needs to come wick off to see if I can find a serial number

[hkr91]

Might be worth while speaking to fords directly, they might not have it in stock but might be able to get a part number for you...

[k11ngsley]

I can see a serial number on it I just can’t read the whole thing because of where it is located.

I will take it back off and check.

I am on cooling system flush number 6 I think and still returning brown water.

Getting better each time so a few more, change the radiator sensor switch over and hopefully crisis averted.

[jimi]

Could still be a faulty thermostat. Normally the fan switch is after the thermostat, so if the thermostat has failed closed the switch won't see hot water to operate. Bridge the plug so the fan runs continuously then run the engine and see if it still overheats. The only way to check the thermostat is to remove it, suspend it in boiling water and see if it opens. Is the radiator gettin hot before the engine overheats ?
Looking at your picture I'd say the thermostat is in that housing the fan switch is screwed into, remove the 2 bolts and the cover and you shouls see the thermostat.

[k11ngsley]

Thanks jimi

Yes the radiator is getting hot - thermostat will be next on my list then should this sensor not make a difference!

[johnthesparky]

As said above, you could fit a switch to replace the fan switch (or just link it out) when it gets hot, that way you could prove the fan brings the temp down whilst waiting for the replacement.

But in this recent heat with slightly gunged coolant circuit, a non functioning fan and low speed would probably be enough I’d think

[k11ngsley]

It comes tomorrow thankfully and gives me a chance to flush the system a few more times.

I would like it to be as clear as possible.

Hot water is definitely making its way through the radiator - so hopefully this sensor is the answer.

I will report back when I have fit the sensor!

[cjhillman]

Jul 22, 2021 21:51:04 GMT k11ngsley said:

It’s a 1.1L if that helps.

I can’t see anything really obvious going on here.

I am pretty confident now that the fluid that was dumped was from the cooling system.

It was all very sudden and unexpected. Had just come back from a 10 mile round trip, reversed onto the driveway. Stopped on the driveway for 30 seconds while running and then it was like a flood.

Turned car off immediately and inspected but other than it looking like it had come from drivers side it was unclear where on earth it had come from.

The fluid was dark, viscous and had a chemical smell to it. On reflection this must be coolant.

I would say that other than the dark colour the evidence of oil is very low. It certainly didn’t leave any multi coloured patches and has dried away in the sun leaving some staining.

Today I have taken off the cooling system hoses, expansion tank and radiator. All of which were thick with deposit and very dirty.

These are all now running clear and will pop back on the car to cycle through before another flush.

If it is from the cooling system and it is going to happen again then I should be able to see quite clearly if fresh water is chucked out instead of the mess that came out yesterday.

Not that it will make it any easier to spot.

Hey! I've had similar issues with my 1.1 Escort. Last year I parked mine up after driving around the m25 in traffic at the hight of summer. I went back to it and some fluid was running from underneath (maybe not as much as yours) I've added a pic bellow . I found that the drain pipe for the header tank pours out down by the drive shaft so I think it was that as it disappeared but looked more as your say dark. I was a bit confused about it though as I noticed oil leaking out of the back plate of the oil pump on mine so I thought it was oil. I've been told if its struggling to breath you get these problems so maybe the oil system needs a flush too?

I replaced the radiator, hoses, temp sender and thermostat the other year before this on mine to try and get it to run cooler but, it didnt really help much. If yours is like mine I bet the temp gets up to around 3/4 before the fan kicks in? I'll be interested to see how you get on with the new fan switch as I wanted to find one that kicked in a bit lower. 
I've also been told its quite rare for a headgasket to go on these and they're tough as old boots unlike the CVH. 

[k11ngsley]

Hi cjhillman

My setup is the same, the drain pipe is just a piece extended down towards the driveshaft exactly where the fluid was coming out.

Mine was a lot more than that but then given the state of the coolant fluid I am not surprised.

I think this has been a blessing in disguise as I have now taken the time to flush through till clear. No doubt it should run much cooler just from this alone.

I will update you one the temp switch, I am also expecting it to kick in around 3/4, my last test with the current sensor definitely did not kick in at this point.

Oil will be on my list once I have identified what part (if any) this switch is playing and post this the thermostat.

As far as cooling systems go it seems nice and basic so there aren't many more items to cross off the list...

[k11ngsley]

Radiator switch replaced and success! The fan sprung into life and the temp was just over halfway. Started cooling down straight away and didn’t want to peak above halfway. 

will give it a proper run in soon but first I think the hardline coolant pipe needs replacing. 

I now have the serial number: 84FB8274AB

any help with where is best to find this part?

[k11ngsley]

I think this must be the right part.

But why doesn’t the part number match what is stamped on the part I have removed?

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coolant-Flange-Pipe-fits-FORD-FIESTA-Mk2-1-1-Water-Birth-6133569-Quality-New-/333844693334?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[k11ngsley]

[k11ngsley]

Some very handy info out there:

www.fordopedia.org/parts-catalog/fiesta-mk1/F2.20

[kevins]

The 84FB is the engineering part number used when the part is designed, for some reason the service organisation does not use this and gives parts their own number (ie the 6133569) when they retail spare parts.

[jimi]

Jul 27, 2021 20:16:07 GMT k11ngsley said:

Radiator switch replaced and success! The fan sprung into life and the temp was just over halfway. Started cooling down straight away and didn’t want to peak above halfway.

Great news glad it worked out well.

[k11ngsley]

quick update on this. 

Took the opportunity to give the fan shroud some TLC and clean up the fan. 

replacement water rail arrived so will all be put back together this week. 

cleaning up some of the grime on the engine before it all goes back together and just general checks while it’s all out. 

I suppose it’s time to give the bodywork some TLC while we have a couple of months of decent weather left. 

[k11ngsley]

Good run today post fitting, no over heating, fan cut in each time I stopped for a few minutes.

No leaks so far, I guess it’s coolant time and see how it goes from there!

[k11ngsley]

5L of coolant for £11?

Sound fair?

Halfords want £14 for 2L of concentrate.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Status-Car-Care-Blue-36-C-Frost-Protection-Concentrate-Antifreeze-Coolant-5-L-/114655674264?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[k11ngsley]

Coolant sorted - went for the 2L Comma in the end from Halfords for peace of mind.

Took the Fez out for a good run yesterday and so far no running issues.

I will now leave it for a few days, check the levels, couple more runs to see if the levels deplete at all and if not then happy days

Thanks for all the help provided on here - lots of great advice and knowledge shared!

[k11ngsley]

Another 12 months MOT, sadly not driving this much any more.