Radiator/Thermostat Plugs

[Bushie]

For anybody that has a 300Tdi it may pay to check the plastic plugs on the radiator and thermostat housing.

As a result of various forums/threads I decided to replace the plastic plugs with brass ala range rover. The radiator one was easy unscrew/replace, the thermostat housing was totally seized and ended up breaking as the plastic had gone hard and brittle.

Extraction then involved drilling round the edges of the thread until I could break it inwards - a right real pain of what should have been a 5 min job.

So if you have a 300Tdi I suggest investing in a couple of plugs and replacing at your leisure/next service on your terms.


Bushie

[DiscoRob]

Thanks Bushie. Mine's actually going in tomorrow for Timing belt (incl what they call the 'minor' kit - tensioner, idler gear, crankshaft gear, gaskets and fasteners) + radiator flush etc, etc. I will certainly take it up with them.

I'm trying to make my motor as 'bullet proof' as possible (within reason), and this sounds like it may help....

Regards, style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[tdivic]

Hi Bushie,
Yes I have replaced mine, mainly because I'd heard some horror stories about the plastic plugs disintergrating and the resultant water loss destroying the motor. Also while we are on the subject I have also heard that the temperature guage doesn't work when there is major coolant loss ie. the guage shows cold. I dont know if this is correct. Does anybody else know.
Vic.

[LRHybrid100]

been there also!!!!

My plastic cap on the thermostat housing snapped off when checking it!!!

Would advise to replace both with the brass caps - approx $10 each.

BR LRH.

[british4wd]

The reason the gauge does not work when there is a coolant is because the sensor is immersed in coolant, if the level drops below the sensor then the gauge will drop, this is then followed by a dramatic rise when the steam hits the sensor.
So the rule of thumb is if there is a sudden drop in temp, stop the engine and check the coolant level.
Totally agree about the plastic filler plugs, being plastic is is so easy to cross thread them when screwing them back in.
In our workshop we replace them wherever possible with the brass plugs

Alan

[tdivic]

Hi Alan,
Thanks for the explanation about the temp guage. Seems like you need to drive with one eye on the road and one eye on the temperature guage. I think a low coolant monitor may be a worthwhile investment.

Vic

[Bren]

Hi all,
I had the temp gauge not show the water loss due to a blown hose until it was too late. New head and brass plugs and I also placed a temp gauge half way down the head where there is a position for one. You do how ever need to tap it out to fit a sender in there. The guage gives an accurate measure of what the head is doing, which will fluctuate 5-10 degrees depending on the load during highway driving.
I still keep one eye on the gauge and the other on the road.

Cheers
Bren

[Pedro_The_Swift]

am I right in thinking its the same radiator in the v8 models?

[bazzle]

Their is 5 different rad for series one Discos.

Bazzle

[Pedro_The_Swift]

oh ****,,,