my ford fiesta encore 1997 has a problem. Driving on the motorway one day we noticed some strange smell. Then it started giving a strange sound and its speed started going down. Stopped and tried to start it again, it was jerking a lot. i also noted that its temperature had gone very high. What could be its problem and how do i get it fixed?

Thanks

Robin-Nottingham, August 2009

Sounds to me like the head gasket has blown.
Check the coolant bottle 1, for fluid, and 2, for any trace of oil.

Remove the oil filer cap and check for water or "mayonnaise" in the cap

Your local garage will be able to perform a compression test and a "sniffer" test on the coolant and tell you immediately if the gasket has blown.

Dave J, August 2009

Check the coolant level in the radiator - my guess is that its gone.

John, August 2009