Suzuki Club UK

Hi guys, recently changed my cylinder head gasket, now she has power again and drives nicely, but after about 15 mins of driving it over heats massively and i loose all power. I dont think the regulator is opening when it should because water isnt blowing out the radiator. I know its obviously a part of the engine, but is there any harm in just taking it out completely then running it to see if thats the problem?

You can remove the thermostat yes, just remember that removing it may not be the cure if the overheating is caused by something else!

Stick the thermostat in a saucepan of water and heat it up slowly on a hob... It should open just before the water starts boiling

I recommend the same thing. This is a method even professional electricians use on hot water cylinders!
It's the best way to go, prove something, and move from there. Let us know how you go, it's always good to hear how these things go

Just don't upset your mrs using her best pans

its ok i bought her a new one for valentines day so i think that gives me permission to use her old one.

yea the thermostat regulator was not opening over boiling point so replaced it, now she doesnt over heat (or didnt when i drove her round for 40 mins so fingers crossed). One last thing if anyone knows, having now done a full top half gasket change, new spark plugs, thermostat regulator, air filter etc, every time i stop the car, give it 3 seconds and it backfires like a bat out of hell....dafuq?!?!

Is it backfiring out of the carb or exhaust? A backfire when you shut it down is usually related to either the air:fuel mixture or timing.

Did you set the timing up with a timing light?

did you have the valves out while the head was off?

Oh and glad you've got it running and it's no longer overheating

If you haven't fiddled with fuelling but have with timing I would guess at timing.

Its backfiring out the exhaust. It will be the timing then as i have done nothing with the fuel/air and i didnt take the valves out, but the notch that holds the driveshaft pulley inline has worn quite a lot so when you fit the timing belt it can go a tooth or two either way even when the timing belt is fitted properly. Not sure that makes sense, ill take a picture tonight to aid my description.

The more work i do on this the more i find problems with it. Just discovered a massive oil leak from somewhere and the rear right wheel is buckled....ffs.

*edit - I meant drive shaft not camshaft

What kinda wheels. I have a lovely set of standard wellers!!!!!!