rad problems on 1.5

having problems with my rad. car runs and drives lovley most of the time the temp gauge is at a 1/4 soon as I hit traffic it shoots up to half never goes much more as the fan kicks in the main problem I am having is that when it gets hot it blows water out of the rad cap I put a new cap on but it still does it. but once it gets to a about 4 inch down the rad it does not lose any more . Am I over filling it? also the gauge should be at half all the time should it not?  I am thinking that the water gallerys are starting to fur up causing back pressure? it is a old engine 1.5 1982 with 92k on it like I said tho it drives really nice

Check for blockages, mine had sealed right up on the (3/4way?) bit near the emd of the cylinder head, also check the stat is working properly.

82 should have a closed rad. i.e no top fill. at least i think thats right.
sounds like you have air in the system somewhere.

Agreed, air blockage, simply remove water and disconnected some pipe sand flush system out with hose going into all pipes so to clean all areas.
Whilst doing this, leave the heater panel on hot position so leaving valve to matrix open.
Once done, fill back up and leave cap off rad, as the car warms and eventually gets to operating temp it ill push out any air which has had chance to circulate round teh block etc and come out through the rad cap.
Once it is warm put cap back on and leave to run a few minutes further and see if problem arises again, it shouldn't, but always double check and dont forget anti-freeze
Pete :wink: