Thread: More overheating problems

Never ever Bin a thermostat... They do more than just regulate flow.. They provide flow control as well, ensuring all the water galleries get flow through them (usually towards rear of block loses flow if no restriction is in place)

Your vehicle is running too hot!

Front fans are for A/C - you need them!
They also assist in severe heat situations.

Engine driven fan may not be functioning properly - viscous hub. Check this...

Are you sure the radiator was rodded? May need checking.

How is the coolant? Clean? Do you lose coolant at all?

Thanks Tombie
Will have a look at the fan . Didnt lose any coolant. And the coolant looks good.
I cant recall exactly wether he said it was rodded or not. I just assumed he had because i couldnt see any other reason why he would have had the tanks off.

Just as a side note when driving in low 30s temps with AC on it will sit on between 80 and 90 degrees it just seems that it is very close to the edge of what the system can do because once the ambient gets up the cooling system just cant keep up.

The original gauge never moves above about one-third up the dial with or without the air-con, which starts the thermo fans, and whether towing or not in our 300Tdi auto. It had a new radiator 3 years ago.
I suggest you get your radiator looked at. Our brass original lasted 15 years and so far it seems the brass replacement is likely to go as long.
You might also check the transmission oil cooler is clean and working fine. Also check if your intercooler needs cleaning. I assume you've already tried a new air filter?

Thanks Mick.
I have changed the air filter and plugs and adjusted the timing the Auto cooler does look a little second hand and there is some damage i will have a better look when i get it home. I havent had a chance to test it out since i have made those slight changes so i will take it as it comes. Radiators dont seem to be too expensive so i dare say a change out will be on the cards just for my own peace of mind.

From memory a new radiator cost just over $400 when we did it before going to the Cape. I didn't want to take any chances with cooling up there.

Hi Crowey
Do yourself a big favour and change the thermostat before going any further.Its a simple and cheap potential cause to eliminate ($16 and less than 1 hour of your time).I too thought that mine was working ok only to find that when I pulled it out it was permanently stuck in the half open position.
My issue was the engine taking a long time to warm up rather than overheating. I am however sure if I hadn't changed it out over time I would be experiencing the problems that you have described on hot days.From memory I fitted an 88 deg thermostat to my 97 Disco V8.
Does your viscous fan coupling drive when started from cold?.They generally do for a short time then slip (goes quiet) until the temp. is high enough to operate it.Another quick check worth making.
Hope this saves some time and $$$$$$$

Good point 98. It may be stuck half open and not allowing full flow. I'll pick one up and do the swap. Also found my vacuum advance is not working. Not sure what if any effect that would have on temps. Fan spins on start up have not really watched it long enough to see if it stops after a while. I will investigate further.