Thread: 1999 P38 - Overheating periodically

Problem ? Vehicle has been overheating periodically over the past 18 months (very often lately) with no resolution despite taking it to 3 different mechanics. I have been able to drive it most of the time, trouble free, but it randomly overheats with the red dash warning light coming on and water overflow from underneath. Various hoses have exploded, most recently the ?S? shaped hose leading from the coolant reservoir is expanding when hot.

Also loud clicking sound in engine seems to be getting much worse?am told could be cam lifters or liners worn. Is tis related?


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Vehicle History

** Related pre-purchase work completed by JRG Automotive included: New Radiator, New Water Pump, New Thermostat, Top Radiator Hose** in 2011/12

Aug 2013
Purchased with a Pre-Inspection report by Deacon Automotive.

Pressure Tested Cooling System ? Passed.

May 2014
- Driving locally on very cold & wet wintery night with heating cranked ? Engine overheated. Took it to Deacon ? Returned 2 weeks later with replaced Thermostat
- 3 Days later, 5 way hose exploded and water gushed everywhere;
- Did not return to Deacon and instead took it to Toorak Tractor on the recommendation of another RR enthusiast;
- 3/6/14, picked up vehicle with replaced hose. The next day it exploded again!;
- Towed back to Toorak Tractor. He had the vehicle for 9 WEEKS'stated that he pulled engine apart, checked and refit head gaskets (not machined) and also said he cleaned radiator thoroughly, pressure tested etc

May ? June 2015
- Overheated for the first time since 2014. Took it back to new machanic (Jobson Electronics) on several occasions as problem kept re-occurring.
- Water Pump replaced; Thermostat replaced, Thermo Clutch Fan repaired; Hose(s) replaced; Heater Core repaired/replaced.
- Heater now works perfectly as was also faulty.

June ? Present 2015
- Regularly over-heating. Jobson advised to flush high-pressure water via a hose through the water reservoir and out through the small top hose from the radiator. I have been doing this repeatedly to buy time. For the most part, the vehicle drives fine, but can overheat at anytime.

I am replacing radiator cap (slightly worn) and 'S' hose on Monday.

Any help appreciated or at the very least a great mechanic in the Melbourne area who could be recommended?

Originally Posted by Scouse

Blowing hoses means that the system is overpressurising. If the workshop has tested the cap (and I'm sure they would as a starting point??) then you have bigger internal issues.


One reason the hoses might not be hard after overheating is that the pressure has escaped when it lost it's coolant. Try the hoses before it overheats.

I meant to add this as well!

When the beast is at normal temperature and with the engine running, feel the hoses and see if they are hard

Steve