Defender 300tdi radiator removal - few questions

[86mud]

HI all

I need to pull out the radiator and get it cleaned/rodded as my coolant temps are getting a little above what I call comfortable lately.

Quick question, do I need to remove the viscous fan? Can i just undo fan cowl and sit it back?

Any other tricks? I am aware of the o' rings for the oil cooler pipes.

Thanks heaps

[omy130]

TIP:
Having 2 small pieces of tube to cover the 2 horizontal bolts that hold the shroud in place. You WILL put holes in yourself if you don't.

From memory it's a close.

[White 110]

When I came to replace mine there's no way it would squeeze past the fan. All very tight given its such a huge engine bay. Of course you need the special "tool" to release the fan. Having purchased the right tool it turns out mine was only on hand tight. Sure I could have rigged something to release the nut without the expense of a new spanner - never been used since!!! :(

[Trout]

Removed mine a few weeks ago without removing the fan. Takes a bit of juggeling but it can be done without too much grief.

If you get the radiator via courier check carefullly that it's not damaged. Mine had the locating dowels broken off. When I finally got around to fitting it I discovered it. MR Automotive replaced it without any drama :cool:. Great service as usual.

If you have not done it recently replace all the hoses as well while you have it apart as they will probably be past their prime.

[camel_landy]

You can undo everything and withdraw but TBH it's a lot easier if you remover the fan as that will give you plenty of room to work.

However... Why are you removing the rad???

You mention temperatures. Are you aware that a dodgy earth can make the temp gauge show false reading???

Before you run around trying to fix an overheating problem, confirm it is actually overheating. Use a laser thermometer and independantly check.

M

[86mud]

This all come about after as I recently installed a VDO water temp gauge. In the really hot days that SE QLD had in January, the water temp would sit at just under 100 at highway speeds and over 100 at any hill. Got to 108 going up a step hill. The temp falls quickly to normal (well 90 degrees) at idle so I assume the fan is working.

Coolant, water pump, and thermostat are all under 12 months old. Radiator is original and whilst not leaking, at 16 years old I am sure is not running efficiently.

I am going to buy a new radiator rather than just getting a clean out as per the age of it.

I did purchase the fan spanner a while ago so will whip the fan off just to be sure.

Thanks

[White 110]

good luck..... but with the fan removed it all falls apart pretty easily.