Problems in Darwin

[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

[wrinklearthur]

Hi Eric

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

[Leyland1980]

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.

[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

[sean14]

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

[incisor]

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

[Tomo]

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.

[Leyland1980]

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.

[workingonit]

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?

[TonyC]

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.

300Tdi?
The oil cooler is in the right hand end tank of the radiator.

Tony

[Leyland1980]

My bad was thinking TD5 for some reason.

[Michael2]

110dude was in Darwin doing mechanical work last month. I've PMed you his number.

Sent from my MB526 using AULRO mobile app

[eric]

Thanks to all who posted here. I took the vehicle to Darwin Radiator and Mechanical Service who made up a custom rig to pressurise the oil cooler element in the radiator and sure enough the air leaking into the water jacket forced coolant out through the expansion tank.

So there are things to be learned here.

1) The 300 tdi has an oil cooler in the radiator. The hoses run to it from the drivers side of the block near the oil filter. Oil flow through tha cooler is controlled by a temperature sensitive valve which only directs oil through the cooler when it reaches a certain temperature. This ensures a quick engine warm-up.

2) Don't be too hasty in blaming the head gasket when oil appears in the water.

3) I would not recommend the aluminium and plastic radiator for harsh off road use.

I highly recommend Darwin Radiator and Mechanical Service. 08 8981 3442. They are air freighting the new copper/brass radiator for under $1000. Land Rover in Darwin quoted me $2858 for a "genuine" replacement. Where do they get their prices from??

Again, thanks to all for your help and suggestions.

Eric