91 escort temp gauge drops down and up

hi there
my 1991 escort cabriolet 1.6 has started to overheat on me .. let it cool topped up water and oil and it seems to go to mid level temp then suddenly drop down to baseline temp and slowly back up .. any suggestions or cures .. thanks in advance :smokin:

hi there
my 1991 escort cabriolet 1.6 has started to overheat on me .. let it cool topped up water and oil and it seems to go to mid level temp then suddenly drop down to baseline temp and slowly back up .. any suggestions or cures .. thanks in advance :smokin:

Lost of coolant: Was this loss due to the overheating, or a leak?
You say you "topped up water.." I hope it contained adequate anti-freeze?
Possibilities of overheating:
1. Radiator cap. Have it tested or replace.
2. Thermostat sticking.
3. Inoperative water pump. A quick test is to pinch the top radiator hose closed while the engine is idling, then let it loose and you should feel a surge of coolant if the pump is working properly.
4. Restriction in the cooling system. If other remedy's are unsuccessful, it may be necessary to Drain flush, and reverse flush the radiator. Refill the system.

Alvin