Landrover 2.8 auto problem with the temperature

[sheribee]

Hey all x We have a N reg 2.8l diesel auto landrover and for the last few days after about 10 mins of driving it the temp gauge goes right up into the red, then cpl mins later drops down to just above halfway. Then back up to red again after a few mins. keeps on doing this while you drive it.
Does anyone have any ideas as to what this might be?
Im litterally about to give birth, we live in a village miles from a hosp. and my husband has a disability after an accident and we cant afford for anyone to look at it, but we are stumped as to what to do.
Thanks so much x

[TWR]

Try your heater, does it go HOT / COLD / HOT / COLD? If so you have an Air lock in the system, has this started all of a sudden? have you changed a hose on the motor? if so this might be causing an air lock, if none of the above get the car pressure tested this will tell if the Head Gasket has blown & in need of changing, this is not a cheap job.

[TWR]

To add, does the motor use any water from the coolant? with the engine running ( WITH SAFTEY IN MIND) hold the coolant pipes, are they hot, if so, no air lock, I hope for your sake it COULD be a faulty Temp sender. go for the cheapest option first.

[sheribee]

The heater doesnt go hot/cold, but does take ages to heat up! i think this may have started suddenly, ive only just noticed. No we havent changed anything on the car recently.
There is water in the car which is fine, how would we tell if the head gasket has gone on it please? thanks so much for your help!

[TWR]

Check the inside of the Oil filer cap, is there white sludge in there? although this MAY indicate the H.G. it could also account for the cold weather we are having, do this with the engine off. Diesels do take a while to heat up so don't worry about that. is the connection on the Temp sender tight? for a positive diagnosis's & to try and save you money / time take the motor to a SMALL family run garage & ask the to do a Pressure test on the system, if it has failed ask for a quote & get that in WRITING.

[TWR]

What part of the UK?

[sheribee]

Thanks somuch. We are near Worthing in West Sussex.
The heating never used o take that long to get warm in the car though, this is why i wondered if the two were linked.
My husband will try what you said to do today.

[TWR]

Hi, the reason I asked what part of the UK, A search for a Land Rover Mechanic. You Husband need to replace the Thermostat regards the heating, the car is getting on a bit, you have not stated the mileage so I presume the car has done 100000+ miles, to start from scratch, flush out the Rad & the system, re-fill & don't forget Winter/summer antifreeze, replace what I have stated & I Suggest a new Temp Sender they are not that dear, start the car up & bleed the system have the Heater on & in the HOT MODE, Leave the car running check your temp gauge the heater should start to feel warm after about 10mins keep checking your temp gauge, If all seems to be ok take the car for a local run to try out, this way you are eliminating WHAT could be wrong, if the car is NOT USING WATER I doubt it's the gasket, I'll check your responce.

[sheribee]

Thanks so much, he will be spending the day on it tomorrow so hopefully we will have some answers then.