Peugeot 306 overheating

Hi,

Got an 'S' reg, Petrol Peugeot 306 Meridian 1.4 with about 38,000 on the
clock. Usually only used for 3 mile trips to work and back (so just about
gets up to operating temperature, 90C when I pull into the car park).

Took it on a few long journeys recently and when the engine is under load
going up a hill, the temperature climbs up to above 90 (but below the red
line). Cruise down a hill or on the flat and it sits back at its standard
90C centre position.

Am concerned this is the start of the tell tale signs of head gasket failure
? At 38K miles, does this sound realistic ?
Cheers,
Tim.

 

Sounds perfectly normal to me. It's bound to get hotter going up a hill. So
long as it doesn't hit red there's no need for concern.

 

Have you checked that the radiator fan comes on?

 

Hi, not checked that. Do you know at what temp. they operate ? Should they
operate as soon as it goes above 90 ? Will try tomorrow and see what
happens.

Cheers,
Tim.

 

Have you checked the coolant level? Perhaps as the car leans back, the
radiator has less coolant in?

 

Tim
Have a look at past postings on this on the site. It is probably caused by
one of the cooling fans not working. They operate in series at low speed up
to 90 degrees and then at high speed in parallel at 110 degrees.
Mike

 

Hi Mike,

Aha ! Ta for the info - cheers. Didn't realise they were working up to 90
degress - that might explain things. Many thanks.

Tim.