Clio Overheating + Not starting

I have a couple of problems with my Clio RL Prima, 1993, 1197cc.

Firstly, it overheats when stopped in traffic for a while. The coolant escapes through the coolant well cap. The fan doesn't start either. I've heard these cars are prone to overheating and the coolant temperature sensor could be to blame. Any ideas?

Secondly, on occasion it refuses to start. This happens maybe twice or three times per week and there is no pattern to the problems; it sometimes happens when the engine's cold, sometimes when the engine has warmed up, sometimes when it's dry, sometimes when it's wet.

Any suggestions on either of these problems would be appreciated.

your over heating could be down to a stuck thermerstat follow top hose of the rad till it meets the block thats where you will find the theremerstat

I'd check the fan wiring first, just short the two contacts and the fan should run instantly, if it doesn't then the wiring is faulty. After that you should drain all the old coolant, fill with plain water, run it for a day and then drain that to be sure the system is clean...if you can you should replace the thremostat, fan switch and refill using deionized water and a good coolant. If water escaped through the cap you have to replace the cap too.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I followed your advice and shorted the fan circuit, the fan runs no problem. I've replaced the thermostat too. Tested the old one in hot water and it didn't work so hopefully this has cured the overheating problem. Trouble is, with winter approaching it's not getting up to the same temperatures as it was during the summer. I guess the real test will be next summer.

Thanks for all your help.

I'd check the fan wiring first, just short the two contacts and the fan should run instantly, if it doesn't then the wiring is faulty. After that you should drain all the old coolant, fill with plain water, run it for a day and then drain that to be sure the system is clean...if you can you should replace the thremostat, fan switch and refill using deionized water and a good coolant. If water escaped through the cap you have to replace the cap too.

yup, then maybe the tstat is stuck in the closed position

If the engine does not tumble, the no start may be a bad starter.. Try servicing it. If that does not work, it may need replacement. If the engine tumbles but no start, it can be a number of things... electrical connections, failing fuel pump, bad crank angle sensor.