Defender TD5 Over heating Issues

[cirwi1]

Hi

I drove to Melbourne over the last couple of days towing a car trailer down and car and trailer on the return from Toowoomba. The climate was hot and the following symptoms occurred during the trip, however no catastrophic event followed:
1. Temp gauge spiked instantly and returned to normal and the same time
2. At the same time a loss of power occurred and returned in the same time
3. Overall the running of the vehicle was okay if staying under 90 km/ hr however if increased speed especially when towing car and trailer the event would occur frequently.
4. This is opinion now, however it felt like as the temperature increased overall power decreased. (maybe my imagination):)

Any words of wisdom would help.

Thanks

Craig

[loanrangie]

Thats a normal occurrence, hot air is less dense and less density means less bang.

[Tombie]

When was the cooling system last professionally flushed?

Start there - may need a new radiator depending on age (they aren't that expensive)

[JoeFriend]

I have a TD5 defender which has a loose connection on the fuel pump relay - I know how to fix it but I get way more enjoyment out of making gullwings, an ex box, shelves and the like to fix it.

The point is, when the connection isn't there (so no electrical circuit) the symptoms are the temp gauge goes to hot. This usually happens when I am starting the car, but when it happens and I am driving, power will cut out, temp will spike up then return - with the check engine light coming on. Nanocom is always on in instrument mode so I can see the spike. No fault is listed either.

Not saying it's the cause, but those symptoms are similar to mine.

Get your hands on a nanocom and watch the actual temp, not the temp on the gauge (it stays in the middle until 115 from memory) so useless for you to diagnose the issue.

[cirwi1]

Thanks. Sounds like a possibility. I will also flush the system, change temp sender unit and thermostat to make sure.

[Tombie]

Get it professionally flushed. A garden hose won't be sufficient.