Hi S,
That is the problem with the tropics, the radiators aren't big enough for the conditions when working it hard. The Saudi spec vehicles for example have a MUCH bigger radiator and trans oil coolers, they are designed for their temps/ environment. Even though the middle east is dry, not tropical, you get the idea. The radiator supplied to the UK spec vehicles is the same one supplied here to us
The incidence of head gasket failures etc due to overheating is way higher north of the 26th parrallel in australia I'd bet.
An aluminium core will exchange heat slightly better, but is structurally pretty poor. Conversly, a thick 4 or 5 row brass core is stronger and will exchange heat very well as long as you can get air through it. The final 2 rows would be a lot less efficient at cooling due to the heat exchange from the front ones. A larger Frontal area is the best method for cooling, but unfortunately the Defender has limited room. We fitted a V8 county full crossflow rad and a front mount IC to a Isuzu converted 130 recently, plenty of cooling and the IC is huge.
Why not fit a county Rad and re plumb the IC to be a front mount? The heat exchange from an IC isn't too bad, I'm running the 75mm thick front mount IC(Full width), the AC condensor(Std RR) and a 3 row V8 RRC rad behind everything, the AC works well, the vehicle dosen't overheat and that includes a towing trip in 40+degrees a while ago where the transfer oil got to 98Degrees
JC
The Isuzu 110. Solid and as dependable as a rock, coming soon with auto box😊
The Range Rover L322 4.4.TTDV8 ....probably won't bother with the remap..😈
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Originally Posted by roverrescue
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