Cooling issues with 1993 Defender?

[fender22]

Hi had my defender for over a week now and temp guage usually sitting on half, or just under. Just did a round trip of about 200k's on the freeway averaging around 100-110k's an hour. Just noticed on the way back the temp gauge had moved slightly over a half and stayed there. Nowhere near the red zone mind you, and I know I'm overreacting, but made me think. A pretty cold 20 degrees in Brisbane today and pouring rain, was wondering what it might be like on a hot day in traffic? I must say though, it was purring at 110k's an hour / 3000rpm, was like it was in its sweet spot.

Are these like most pommie cars ie prone to overheat problems? I guess they must be ok if they're used in the outback.

[Vin Rouge]

Defenders are not usually prone to overheating. On the way back from Sydney (inland route) I was climbing for about 3/4 hour and the temperature gauge rose slightly, but dropped back after the peak. That's normal.

Don't worry about it. Land Rovers have been trundling about all over Africa for years, so a bit of Queensland warmth is unlikely to bother them.

If you've any doubts, simply flush the radiator.

[cewilson]

I don't trust the standard gauge as far as I can throw it. Get a proper gauge into it and that'll tell the story more than anything else.

[justinc]

Get the rad checked/rodded out, I would say at 140K it may never have been done yet If these are even only around 20% blocked, they will get hot working hard.

Also, if you turn on the headlamps and the guage goes up, you have a classic Defender earthing fault Just add an extra earth lead from the battery to the bottom of one of the seat bolts...


JC

[fender22]

Sorted it/. Unbeleivable. Had a look under the bonnet this morning and could see coolant had been sprayed around a bit. Top hose had a split in it about a centimeter long. What I can't figure out is how I got back 30km from the gold coast without it losing all it's water? I noticed it was a fraction hotter than normal byt no where near red. Mustn't be a lot of pressure there eh? More amazingly not one person (that I could track down had a top radiator hose? Austral laughed at me, jag rover spares no go, tried a couple of Land rover specialists. No joy at Repco or Bursons. Anyway, have one on the way, and a spare!

[Vin Rouge]

Try FWD FWD Motors Pty Ltd They seem to carry a good range of spares.