Need Help!!

[wizard]

Ive got a 96 Vectra and recently its been giving me some jip under the bonnet. When you have been driving for about 3 minutes the engine temperature gauge is well into the red, I turn the blowers on the release some heat but it just blows out cold air. Ive also had some problems starting it aswell if thats any help? Anymore info just ask... Cheers folks.

[Bonzo 2000]

I've seen thes symptoms in a Punto and Freelander - sounds like a blown head gasket. Cooling water is getting iton the cylinders and blowing as steam out of the exhaust - hence the high engine temps and lack of heat through the cabin heaters and apparant "damp" starts. Get it checked out quickly - the replacement of the gasket is expensive enough, but if this overhating goes on, you will need the engine head skimmed or possibly replaced.

[Gandy]

Yup, I'll second that. Is it blowing out blue/black smoke from the exhaust and consuming more oil than it should? It may just be the oil seals but I would get it checked out by a mechanic asap. If they head gasket blows whilst you're driving it could cause a lot of damage and cost a lot to sort out.

[Chapelle]

best way to test is to get on a nice open stretch, gradually build the speed up to about 40. Drop it in 1st and redline the hell out of it. Helped me when my 95 Polo wouldn't blow hot air out the blowers. Hope it helps you too.

[BillyNoMates]

Could be just an airlock in the cooling system or more likely a defective thermostat. Thermostats are cheap and simple to replace.

[poochy]

all u have to do is put 10 pound on the sim cards and wen the money and text run out put your clock bk a month on yeh phone to the date u put the money on and it should all come bk all yeh credit and text