Carina E 3s-fe Radiator Flush?

[mealticket]

Just had a new radiator fitted and I'm still getting overheating problems. I can drive for about 15-20 minutes (town) before temperature has gone right up. It seems to stabilise at about 7/8 of the way up the guage, but I don't fancy driving like this for any length of time! Both radiator pipes are pretty damn hot, they feel roughly the same.

I have a suspicion that there may be a blockage in the engine due to using tap water with no antifreeze added to top up (thanks to my sister for this!), and flushing the engine may cure this. Am I along the right lines?

Having had a look at the engine, I can't identify the drain plug, the diagram in the Haynes manual doesn't really give me any clues. Does anyone have a photo of it (with an arrow pointing at the object in question!)?

[Parts-King]

Have you changed the thermostat? A far more likely explaination than a blockage somewhere. The gauge should, from cold, go up to about 3/4 and then settle just below half after the thermostat opens. take out the stat, put it in a bucket and pour on boiling water, see if it opens all the way, it is possible it is opening only slightly and causing the overheat.

I think the drain plug on the block is only a 10mm headed bolt from memory some were a tapered bolt, screwed into the side of the block.

Kingo

[mealticket]

Not sure about the stat as both pipes get hot. Presumably I still need to drain it to get the stat off anyway, so might as well flush it for the sake of thoroughness...

The only 10mm bolts I can find are the ones holding the stat housing in place. Surely neither of these doubles as a drain bolt?

For the last year or so (with an admittedly ropey radiator), the temperature always went up to just below 1/2way and then settled, unless I was climbing a long hill in which case it would get up to 3/4 and settle back down when I finished climbing.

[Parts-King]

You won't have to drain all the water off, but you will lose some when you remove the stat housing, remember to top up again after replacing it, and re-check again when cold.

Kingo

[mealticket]

You may have identified the problem; the stat didn't move at all when I poured boiling water on it. On closer inspection it seems to be slightly bent as well, so that it isn't sealed 100% in the closed position. Maybe this is restricting movement and preventing it opening as well...

Now to top up the coolant so I can drive off to look for a new stat!