Thread: A very hot day at the beach!!

Originally Posted by KarwashD2V8

Hi All,
This time instead of loosing coolant, the level in the tank rose until it was coming out the overflow, so I guess that suggests I sorted all the leaks.

All the air has been bled out of the cooling system?
I believe that can give an effect similar to what you had.

It seems to me you have 2 separate problems.

1 You may have a head gasket leak if you are pressurizing the coolant .
I guess you had the coolant at the correct level ie at the seam in the tank. If so it shouldn't be blowing out the cap, although maybe a new cap will fix it.

2 In hot dry sand it is always worthwhile to use low range and using a manual gear (M button pressed) above the torque converter lockup point as this minimizes heat generation in the Torque converter. The lock up point in my old RRC was 1900 and I believe from posts here it is about 2200 in a Thor. It is easy in a D2 as it will hold any gear selected in low range.
I would be changing the transmission fluid if I were you as it obviously got quite hot.
Regards Philip A

Mate i would 1.blead the coolant 2. Replace the header tank cap and if that does not fix the problem then 3. Budget for new head gaskets... and to my mind if the coolant level had been constant and at correct level and no waterfall sounds before the sandndriving then it does sound more like gaskets. D2 will not overheat the engine coolant from high range in soft sand but then again i deive a manual so mine just bogs down to a stall if you need low range. The cooling system capacity is very good provided it is working well and head gaskets are not blown. Cheers

until I noticed the manual mode and sport mode lights flashing.

Sorry You had me fooled there as that is usually an auto problem.
Regards Philip A.

Thermo fans can be a problem also. When travelling a a (good) speed, air flow across the radiator is sufficient, too slow not enough air flow ??
Can over heat at highway speeds to as the fan acts like an air dam (turning to slow) blocking air flow.

Thanks for all the replies!
When I overhauled the cooling system the air was bled from the system. The coolant level was bang on at the start of the day and has been consistently since the overhaul. I checked the dip stick and oil filler for milk and their were no signs. I'll get a new expansion bottle cap and see what effect that has. Is there any test that can be performed to check for leaky head gasket?

Originally Posted by KarwashD2V8

Thanks for all the replies!
When I overhauled the cooling system the air was bled from the system. The coolant level was bang on at the start of the day and has been consistently since the overhaul. I checked the dip stick and oil filler for milk and their were no signs. I'll get a new expansion bottle cap and see what effect that has. Is there any test that can be performed to check for leaky head gasket?

You could do a compression test.
Any cylinders low then you likely have a gasket gone.

Originally Posted by KarwashD2V8

Is there any test that can be performed to check for leaky head gasket?

"headcheck" A fluid filled container that sits where radiator cap goes, start and run engine, fluid will change colour in the presence of combustion gas.
Very good and non invasive diagnostic procedure.