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MG MGA - Overheating after shutoff


My car is running nice and cool (with an electric fan) until I shut it down. Then the temp spikes and I start getting steam from around the head gasket.

I'm suspecting either the water pump or a head gasket. Both are old and have been sitting untouched for years.

Is there a way to test the water pump?

Thanks
Jeff Bennett

Do a static pressure test. See here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/cooling/cool_106.htm
Barney Gaylord

Heff,
If you're getting steam around the head gasket, I would suspect the head gasket. Check your temp gauge. Normally, an engine will show an increase of about 15 degrees after shutoff. If you are running hot, this could bring your coolant pressure higher, but the head gasket should not be the overheat problem. Your water pump could be, but I would suspect a fouled radiator or collapsed lower hose. Also, if you haven't had a coolant system flush in a long while, you may have corrosion build up around the cylinders. (I only state this because it happened to me on an old Ford once. You couldn't see the cylinders for the corrosion in the freeze plug area.)
mike parker

Sorry,
I meant Jeff.
mike parker


A good flush and fill solved the problem! Thanks.
Jeff Bennett

Check your head gasket prior to a good flush, if it is leaking it may put the corrosive flush past the head gasket into the engine. If steam is coming from the head gasket area, the gasket is probably leaking!
Russ Carnes

Jeff.
If you are getting steam from around the head gasket my question is where is the water coming from to create the steam. I would first re-torque the head nuts and look for further leaks. Failing that I would replace the gasket but have the surface of the head checked for flatness.
Sandy Sanders
Sandy Sanders

Check that the radiator cap is the correct pressure and is not stuck shut, it should relieve any pressure build up in the cooling system before allowing it to push out anywhere else (unless the head gasket is shot). Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

This thread was discussed between 23/01/2008 and 28/01/2008

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