Is my TD5 running hot?

[reefmagnet]

Every since I've been able to measure the temperature of my TD5, it constantly sits around 97 or so degrees with little variation once warmed up. It rarely drops below 95 and has never exceeded 100 whether it be around town or on the highway. Oddly enough, it seems to run hotter, all else being equal, at around 80 kph compared to speeds above or below. I have verified the temps using multiple sources. I have flushed the cleaned the coolant system (which was a mess when I first got the car), replaced most hoses, thermostat and radiator. Except for the radiator, I hadn't measured coolant temps pre-fix to allow comparison. Replacing the radiator made little difference. Driving along the highway in pouring rain makes little difference.

From what I've read, this seems higher than normal. Is this the case and should I be worried?

[gavinwibrow]

Every since I've been able to measure the temperature of my TD5, it constantly sits around 97 or so degrees with little variation once warmed up. It rarely drops below 95 and has never exceeded 100 whether it be around town or on the highway. Oddly enough, it seems to run hotter, all else being equal, at around 80 kph compared to speeds above or below. I have verified the temps using multiple sources. I have flushed the cleaned the coolant system (which was a mess when I first got the car), replaced most hoses, thermostat and radiator. Except for the radiator, I hadn't measured coolant temps pre-fix to allow comparison. Replacing the radiator made little difference. Driving along the highway in pouring rain makes little difference.

From what I've read, this seems higher than normal. Is this the case and should I be worried?


Mine ran about 95 and no probs experienced. Hottest - not recommended - was 115 towing the brick up mountain, and mitigated by dropping another gear (auto)

Blknight told me a few years ago these were designed to run at up to 120.

[reefmagnet]

Mine's a manual and sits a couple of degrees higher. In the scheme of things it's probably not a big deal. I don't tow anything other than a tinny and the only real test so far has been a bit of a hill out on the highway and some soft sand in low range. I do have a bit of a theory that the water pump may no longer be pumping efficiently, so I am planning on replacing that come next service (along with the oil cooler).

[Bohica]

Mine rarely gets to 95C. It would be interesting to see what it gets to in the summer.
What are you using to measure the temp? Nanocom? IR gun?
You do have the correct coolant?

[PhilipA]

It sounds like you have the wrong t hermostat or the hoses may be fitted incorrectly to it.
my 2002 EU3 has an 88 c fully open stat and today towing my 1800kg Coromal usually ran at 84-85c at 100 Kmh with one climb to 89 up a steep hill in second.Ambient temp 24c.

aircon was on and Viscous fan cut in after the climb.

I have cheap digital gauge which I have cross checked with Nanocom and is within 0.5 of Nanocom.

Regards PhilipA

[simonmelb]

Got a part number Phillip?

[reefmagnet]

I've crossed referenced temperature with the Nanocom, an IR point and shoot at the outlet for the top hose and just recently fitted an engine guard TM2 with the sensor mounted to the bolt on the same outlet flange for the top hose. All temps more or less align.

Now I will admit I did buy a no-name thermostat and I did notice there were two temperature options available at the time and, of course, I can't remember what option I went for.

[PhilipA]

I cannot remember the part number but there are several threads from years ago on this.
In any case Mario at Roverlord would be able to supply the correct one.
Regards PhilipA

[V8Ian]

Mine used to run at the OP's temps, until Konradical diagnosed a U/S fan. Fan replaced and temp now never exceeds 90⁰C. usually sits at 87⁰.

[Bohica]

I've crossed referenced temperature with the Nanocom, an IR point and shoot at the outlet for the top hose and just recently fitted an engine guard TM2 with the sensor mounted to the bolt on the same outlet flange for the top hose. All temps more or less align.
That's good that they all agree.



Now I will admit I did buy a no-name thermostat and I did notice there were two temperature options available at the time and, of course, I can't remember what option I went for.

In the voice of Jamie Hyneman
"There's yer problem!"
Although as some one suggested, the fan may be broke.

[AK83]

When I changed my thermostat in my V8, if you look very carefully inside the thermostat, I may have a temp stamped on it ... the actual thermostat inside the housing.

I got an 82°C one, which it seemed to work(more or less) at when I tested it.

My TD5 runs at a consistent 88-90°C reading off the nanocom. We haven't had warm enough weather to see how it runs with A/C on, but expect another ~5°C on top of that if you run with the A/C on too.

[Bohica]

My hottest, 96C was stopped at the traffic lights, A/C on, outside temp 45C. Happy with that.

[reefmagnet]

Cheers guys.

The car had a new fan install before I got it, but I guess that doesn't mean much. I also her the thermo fan running at times. I do live in central Queensland so it's warm most of the year and the air con rarely goes off. If it's ok to live with, I'll see how the water pump looks in a few months and I'll test the thermostat while the coolant is out of it. There was a lot of gunk in the old radiator when removed, too, so it will be interesting to see what the oil cooler looks like.

One other thing, I notice the old D2 doesn't roll quite as freely as my Patrol. As in I can take my foot of the brake on a very slight slope and it will tend not to move. But I assume this is because of the constant 4wd drivetrain?

[AK83]

.....

One other thing, I notice the old D2 doesn't roll quite as freely as my Patrol. As in I can take my foot of the brake on a very slight slope and it will tend not to move. But I assume this is because of the constant 4wd drivetrain?

yeah, both mine(D1 and D2) feel similar.
Check handbrake drum operation for binding too .. maybe. Could be some tight spots or something.

[onebob]

My hottest, 96C was stopped at the traffic lights, A/C on, outside temp 45C. Happy with that.

……..96C for me too. I have a TM2 Engine Watchdog with the sensor secured under a bolt next to the factory temp sender.