Thread: Strange happenings

Firstly, get your radiator cleaned out and modified to make the bypass smaller (see threads on here).

Losing coolant when you stop is serious. Try leaving the engine running when you stop so this doesn't occur. Adding cold coolant can soften the aluminium head.

Fit a low water alarm and an aftermarket temp buage that gives you a proper reading. While you are at it fit an EGT which can help when tuning the engine.

Only once you are sure the cooling is up to scratch should you try improving performance. It also might be worth getting the injectors tested.

Your engine is purely machanical. So you can't chip it, but there are just as many mods to the pump and boost/turbo you can make.

A 300Tdi can tow 3.5T, just not quickly and only if the cooling is 100%.

Or you can buy that Landcruiser, and empty your Bank account with the purchase price or through the fuel tank.
I cannot figure out why people want to put two tonne on the back of their vehicle then go about breaking speed records up hills.
I know of guys who sold their docile old Tdi's that were doing the job (albeit steadily), but worth peanuts to spend $50K-$60K-$70 on a 'cruiser Prado or bigger just to get to the camping spot half hour faster and poorer in the pocket because their 100 series 6 cylinder chewed through enormous amounts of diesel towing that 2 Tonne van at a rapid pace up those hills.
You could rightly say I'm just someone who doesn't understand 'cause I refuse to tow, (anything, but that's just me), and I love my old Tdi's, (I own two), and I love throwing the tent in the back and heading in where no caravans go.
Now I know this does not help you get the extra power you are seeking from the Disco, but think of what it is and do you really want to become a "'Cruiser Man", a Disco has a soul and is like a comfortable old shoe, they can be frustrating and quirky but they have something a Toyota just can never give. Gaz

Gazby,

Was a Austin Gipsy, Landcruiser, Hilux, Sierra, Feroza, Hilux - man or men in that order.

The Disco trumps them all, well except for the Gypsy and Sierra for sentimental value, and I have no real desire to return to Toyota's except that I travel fulltime, and need a steady reliable towing vehicle, that can pull 2t at least close to the speed limit most of the time. But with a non-existent budget ruled by the all lowly disability pension, my hands are tied as to what I can do to improve the situation.

Never in a hurry, but always concerned for the semi's that are stuck behind. The Hilux (2001 - after market turbo) could at least keep at a reasonable pace, with very good fuel economy, but did not legally tow enough.

10-15km/h increase is all I want (leaving me still 10-15km/h below the 100km/h limit). Is that too much to ask help for?

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Firstly, get your radiator cleaned out and modified to make the bypass smaller (see threads on here).

Losing coolant when you stop is serious. Try leaving the engine running when you stop so this doesn't occur. Adding cold coolant can soften the aluminium head.

Fit a low water alarm and an aftermarket temp buage that gives you a proper reading. While you are at it fit an EGT which can help when tuning the engine.

Only once you are sure the cooling is up to scratch should you try improving performance. It also might be worth getting the injectors tested.

Your engine is purely machanical. So you can't chip it, but there are just as many mods to the pump and boost/turbo you can make.

A 300Tdi can tow 3.5T, just not quickly and only if the cooling is 100%.

Didn't happen again with the coolant, since I refilled with undiluted coolant. Actually had a great run, head and side winds for half the trip and never got hot until I forgot I had it in D rather than 3 for one hill.

Will look in to everything you offered, thank you for your help.

Chris

PS Called British Offroad near Brisbane and they sell a digital thermometer that can handle 2 inputs: water and gearbox (or whatever) for about $200, I am looking into it and will probably buy it when the next pension cheque arrives.