I need some advice and ideas on how I can diagose an apparent overheating problem on a B16B. I have only had the car for 3 months and just got it back on the road a week ago. The engine was re-built last August by the previous owner's mechanic (not a Volvo garage!).

The temperature gauge registers maximum and above (+100C), yet the coolant in the radiator seems to be normal and there's no loss of coolant. I replaced the temperature sending unit and gauge, but nothing changed. The thermostat was removed when I bought the car, possibly because the previous owner had the same problem. I resinstalled the thermostat and nothing changed. The rad appears to be recently re-cored. There is a bearing noise in the water pump and I plan to replace the pump. The generator belt is tight enough and I replaced the 2 blade fan with a 4 blade fan.

Is it possible that the head gasket water jacket holes to the cylinder head are partially blocked? I seem to vaguely recall this sort of problem with B18s as well, but can't recall the exact cause. Any other ideas or things I need to check?

Thanks...Cam