Heating issue

Ok, now I think I know the answer but here goes...

This morning, my Freelander XEi 1.8 petrol overheated whilst I was out in the country
The engine compartment where the coolant bottle is, is now nice and brown where all the water came out the valve-cap.
So filled it up with water and managed to drive back with the heater on full blast.....as I got nearer home, the temp stayed in the middle like it used to. Turned off the heater blowers and the temp started to rise again!

So, what could this be? I have my ideas but my knowledge of cars is fairly limited to say the least.

Thanks

Sounds like youre engine coolant thermostat is not opening, good place to start . . . Ming

Change the stat.

While your at it speak to www.qednet.demon.co.uk and ask them about the remote thermostat kit they do,

Ok thanks for that - have been searching for photos of the engine to give me an idea where the thermostat is!

anyone know of such a photo/diagram?

ta

Ask QED for the fitting guide of the thermostat kit.

It's got plenty of pics.