Help - Coolant Problems, Stop Light, Rough Starting From Cold

[bradderz]

Big problems with my 2004 Xsara 1.4 petrol - very worried.

 

1) STOP light coming on with temp warning light. Always in first 5 mins from cold start. Temp gauge mostly runs at 1/4 temp but then blips to full then back to zero. Then goes back to 1/4 temp where spends most of time whether run 10 miles or 100 so assume its not all that accurate!

 

2) Coolant level being topped up couple times a week cant see any leaks appears dry inside filler cap. After a quick 2 min run could be up to max level almost overflowing. Often hear a sort of swishing noise of (assumed) coolant flushing around the system is this normal seems weird never heard it on any car b4.

 

3) Finally, and most worrying, is really rough when starting from cold. Rev a bit and settles within a few seconds. Cant see how its related to above but its only started just after other problems.

 

Really really worried about effect that could have on my bank balance - any suggestions or guidance gratefully received.

[bradderz]

WARNING ALL - IF YOU DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT CAR MECHANICALS LIKE ME IF YOU EVER GET THESE SYMPTOMS ALL TOGETHER GET TO A GARAGE QUICKLY AND CAREFULLY.

 

HEAD GASKET KNACKERED. DONT GO ANYWHERE NEAR CITROEN DEALERS THEY CHARGING £70PH+ BUT UNIPART NETWORK REPAIRER ONLY £45. TAKES SEVERAL HOURS SO CHOOSE CAREFULLY.

 

WAITING TO SEE IF ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY FAILURE PRAYING JUST THE GASKET.

 

WILL NEVER GET A 5H-ITROEN EVER AGAIN THOUGH NOT IMPRESSED BY AMOUNT OF THINGS GOING WRONG WITH IT IN LAST 6 MONTHS. ONLY DONE 50K AND I THOUGHT MY TRUSTY OLD SEAT AROSA WAS UNRELIABLE!