Morris Minor Owners Club

I broke down a number of months ago with a steam/water passsig through the radiator overflow. Since then i have flushed the radiator 3 times, checked all pipe work and yesterday replaced the head gasket but the problem contiues. I have fitted a temp gauge and it sticks at 120 oC. My only thought is that the water pump is not working as it should???? Could this true?

Did you wire the temp gauge through a voltage stabiliser? If not it will always read too high. Water pump would failure shouldn't give the symptoms you have which is excessive pressure build up. Don't just flush the rad - you need to flush the block out too.....

have you any other ideas?

yes, loads - but I prefer to check the easy options first ;-)

stabiliser on and working.

Just flushing the rad out is not always sufficient. Water will take the easiest route and as long as there are enough capillaries clear to pass a hosepipe full of water you will not necessarilly clear the blockage. You need to take it to a radiator repairers and have it fully checked over and pressure tested.
I took mine for a header tank repair and had it checked to find that many of the capillaries were blocked despite the running temp being normal

It is possible for the water pump impeller to have rotted away - only 4 bolts to find out! A if that's ok - try some drain cleaner around the block and see if that helps. I assume you have checked/renewed the thermostat?