Cooling Issues in my Cef

[l6a6w6s6]

Hey guys,

was hoping people here could help me solve my cooling issues in my rb20det cef.

I bought the car knowing it needed a new radiator, so I immediately fitted a decent second hand one. Water pump went immediately (first drive) so that has been replaced too.

All was fine for a couple of weeks until the other night the top radiator hose burst and the engine got very hot. Actually shut down by itself. The gauge was reading normal and I couldn't see any steam because it was dark. Towed it home, waiting a few hours for cooling, changed the hose and filled up the coolant. Car started (thank god) but overheated just after warming up.

Since then I have drained and flushed out the whole system, after using a radiator cleaning additive, fitted a new thermostat and given it a really good bleed. It is much better, the car will warm up, drive for about 10-15mins and then the gauge will slowly creep up.

Last drive there was a leak from the thermostat pipe (stupid gasket they gave me was useless). Also couldn't get hot ait from the heater in the cabin which has worked fine in the past.

Head gasket has been suggested, but oil and coolant show no signs of interference, and there are no bubbles coming up through the radiator from exhaust gas in the system. Car also drives well and makes normal power, although is a little hard to start now.

Any ideas? Could there be a blockage in the heater hose section since now it won't work?

I have searched and found lots of good stuff on flushing and bleeding but now I need specific help.

Any feedback is much appreciated.

[l6a6w6s6]

Anyone ideas?

Today I'm planning to try and flush out the heating system with some more additive and the garden hose. I'll also be properly sealing the coolant return pipe covering the thermostat with silastic. I might also fill it up with coolant this time, as I have been testing everything with water thus far to save cash.

Any other ideas? If this doesn't work I'm afraid I'll have to leave the car at a specialist for diagnosis.