Thread: Problems in Darwin

Hi Eric

I am not a fan of the alloy radiators and would be interested in what others have to say about them.
.

Originally Posted by eric

Hi all LR enthusiasts.

We have just limped into Darwin. We need some diagnostics on a 300 tdi.
Quick background-

We had new original LR cyl. head replaced in Geraldton. We did not do anything with the radiator at that time. The temp. guage was rising with engine workload but never hit the red zone. We got to Broome and went to Promec for a radiator service. They were unable to service it so I ordered one from Sydney. I opted for the aluminium one with the plastic header tanks. This was fitted and it fixed the high temp. promlem. I had to get the vehicle inspected for RMS rego back in NSW so I took it to an inspector in Kununurra after travelling the Gibb River Road without incident. It failed on tyres, and couple of minor oil leaks. I check the oil and water levels every morning and did not notice anything unusual. I got the inspector to fix the oil leaks and do oil and air filter change at the same time. 4 new tyres and we hit the road for Katherine. We travelled on about 10 ks or corrugated road that day. We overnighted at a bush camp and the next morning I saw a lot of oil floating in the coolant expansion tank.

The question is whether the oil is coming from a blown head gasket or the oil cooler element in the new radiator.

One other thing - the clamp plate between the 2 metal oil hoses that feed the oil cooler is missing and I don't remember seeing it in Broome when the radiator was removed, so it could have fallen off any time since leaving Sydney.

If anyone knows anyone in Darwin that could help diagnose the problem please post here or pm me.

I spoke with Carla at Top end Rover Specialists and she was very helpful but they aren't in business any more.

Eric

My money is on oil cooler, they are notorious.

Thanks guys.
I am going to get the radiator checked tomorrow, 15th.
I really hope this is the problem. Has anyone actually heard of oil leaking from the oil cooler element into the coolant?

Eric

Tough luck Eric!
My first thought was 'top end rover' but I'm sorry to hear they are no longer playing the game. There is another in Darwin that is really competent with 300tdi's and defenders. Used them a lot last year on my defender in prep for an 8000km trip. Best thing is they are close to town. I'll pm you the details as I'm not sure on the forum rules.
Let us know how you get on.

Sean

Originally Posted by sean14

I'll pm you the details as I'm not sure on the forum rules.
Let us know how you get on.

Sean

if you are answering someone elses request for info then please post the info

Hi Eric,
This was posted in a different part of the forum.

Top End Rover has closed, the bloke has cancer and been forced to sell the business however, his suggestion is European Vehicle Servicing, 1/6 Downes Rd Winellie, 08 8984 3590, 0439 771 655, Neil Simmonds is the man.
europeanvehicleservicing@hotmail.com
Best of all though, Neil drives a D3.

I have not used them so cant comment on how good they are.

Originally Posted by eric

Thanks guys. I am going to get the radiator checked tomorrow, 15th. I really hope this is the problem. Has anyone actually heard of oil leaking from the oil cooler element into the coolant? Eric

I had the symptoms you describe with oil in water, but it has nothing to do with the radiator. The oil cooler is on the rear left hand side of the block below the manifolds.

You can try All Rural Mechanical at Humpty Doo. One of the mechanics drives a LRover. They let my Disco through rego with a couple of leaks, pointing to the known problem of leaking centre shaft in the transfer case and problems with 't' seals in engine - they also refer to LRovers as the mechanics nightmare - so they seem to know their stuff

Try Berrimah Radiators if you have to go that way.

MR Automotive can usually airfreight stuff to me in about 4-5 workings days and road freight in about 8-10.

Where abouts have you settled yourself in Darwin?