2016 MK8 Transit overheating (panther engine)

[C Brockhurst]

Hi, I am currently having problems with 2016 MK8 transit overheating, it is a 2L panther engine, the problem is it is intermittently overheating and has come up with fault code PO217, this is saying Engine Coolant Overtemperature Condition, this relates to coolant thermostat and ECT sensor. I have changed this item and it is still overheating intermittently and coming with same code. I am now scratching my head to what this could be here as there are no bulletins on this fault to help. Anyone got any idea what this could be?.....appreciate you're help.

[polker8]

Hi, I have this exact same problem, 2016 2.0 panther engine, been fine from new, then the temp went right up and over heat warning came up, I pulled over rand the temp gauge went back to normal and the van was fine. It has done this 4 times at the same place now. I have changed the thermostat assembly and it made no difference, checked the water pump too and this seems fine. any help would be appreciated.

[p2thed]

Are you loosing any coolant or white smoke from exhaust in the morning when cold.

[polker8]

Not sure about white smoke but i will check in the morning, The coolant level does drop but there does,nt seem to be any leaks? If i drive the van round slowly it seems to be fine, its more at motorway speeds that it happens

[p2thed]

If your loosing coolant and there are no external leaks, i would suggest a problem with the egr cooler or more likley the headgasket.

Egr valves do fail on these, but i have done a couple of head gaskets aswell. Bext step is a block test for emission gases in the system, then a cyl leak down test based on what your experiencing.

[polker8]

I checked again this morning, could not see any white smoke but it is loosing water some where. When it overheats all power is lost and the temp gauge moves quickly into the red, this flags up the engine overheat warning,pretty much straight away it then falls back to normal and the van carries on without fault. What i cant understand is, if its overheating how can it cool down to normal temp that quick?. The thermostat was changed for the modified one, Am i correct in thinking the temp sender is i n the top of the housing? There also seems to be an electric water pump on the top of the engine that runs after the ignition is turned off, would you know what thus is for?

[p2thed]

The coolant sensor is at the top of the thermostat, head temp us at rear of head beside egr bypass solenoid. I cant explain the sudden temp change from hot to normal but i did have a case were the engine would only overhead on an incline then drive fine on the flat that turned out to be a head gasket issue. Just sounds similar to your issue(pic if head attached). The water pump is for the scr injector.

[polker8]

Yes that sounds kind of like mine, it will only overheat if the engine is worked, ie, it will run round all day so long as i dont go above 5o, over that and it will happen. Is it a bad job to get the head off?, Does it have a belt or chain? Probably going to have to sort it out soon

[BHM]

Tap a remote pressure gauge into the water system, T piece etc.
Monitor when on the move, if gasket is letting by under load it should go upto about 1.5 bar as it then vents from the cap.

Bhm

[polker8]

That could be an easy way to check, I guess ant where in the cooling system would work. Is he head gasket a common problem?.

[Altransit]

Is he head gasket a common problem?.

I was told that these engines were regularly blowing head gaskets when being tested before they hit the market properly.
They may or may not have sorted this initial fault, let's hope so

[p2thed]

Yes that sounds kind of like mine, it will only overheat if the engine is worked, ie, it will run round all day so long as i dont go above 5o, over that and it will happen. Is it a bad job to get the head off?, Does it have a belt or chain? Probably going to have to sort it out soon

Its not a common issue but i have seen a couple.They run on a wet belt and are one of the easier heads to remove. They only issue you might run into is removing the injectors they can be b:evil:rd tight, expecially no 4 on the rwd were the water pools.

[polker8]

That doesn't sound too bad, do I need to remove the injectors, or can I leave them in?. Will I need and special tool to remove the head?. Thank you all for your help

[p2thed]

The injectors will need to come out as the cam box covers the cyl head bolts. No special tools req really just torque wrench for head bolts ect. (pic attached base timing set). Once base is set turn the engine 2 1/4 turns and double check pump timing is set.

[polker8]

Great Thanks, from your picture it doesn't look too bad a job, although mine is front wheel drive and there doesn't seen much room. I tried to remove the water pump to check it only to find it wont come out with the engine in situ, Good old Ford!