Thread: 300tdi overheating.

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

I have a 300tdi Discovery. When towing my boat (~1000kg) the engine could only manage about 90km/h on the flat before it would start to overheat. On a slight rise it was down to around 75-80km/h. The ambient temperature would have been 30-35deg. The air-conditioner was off. I suspect the fan clutch may be failing. Is there a difinitive way to check it's operation?

Aaron

[ame]https://youtu.be/wEnY9oXW9PU[/ame]
do it like this but id suggest a rolled up towel or a rolled up news paper

Padded riggers gloves are better(I reckon).

But you're better off holding the fan with the engine off, and get someone to start it up for 'ya.

You are better off not having your hand anywhere near the fan. I believe a thick paint brush is the recommended tool. Or as originally suggested - a rolled up news paper.

Tom.

Originally Posted by Aaron IIA

I have a 300tdi Discovery. When towing my boat (~1000kg) the engine could only manage about 90km/h on the flat before it would start to overheat. On a slight rise it was down to around 75-80km/h. The ambient temperature would have been 30-35deg. The air-conditioner was off. I suspect the fan clutch may be failing. Is there a difinitive way to check it's operation?

Aaron

When you say overheat, is this as indicated on the standard temp gauge or on an aftermarket unit? The stock gauges don't move usually till the engine is very very hot, like over 110 degrees C, with that temp its pretty serious.
My 300TDI was suffering a bit from this last summer, mainly on hot days and on hills and with AC on etc it was nudging 100 degrees C- I had a standard radiator but with a fairly new core. Just before these holidays I installed an uprated Allisport radiator, the core is a lot bigger than stock and it fits perfectly with the intercooler from them - anyway, same conditions, same fan clutch, it now peaks at the high 80's and has reached 92 on a 38 degree day with AC on in traffic.
My point is, check your radiator too.

I towed the boat home from the holiday today. The car was running hot so I pulled over to check the fan clutch. With the engine still running, I stopped the fan with some rolled up cardboard. It stopped easily. I could even spin it backwards with not much resistance.

Aaron