Muddy radiator causing power loss

[The Cone of Silence]

Hi all

After a simply brilliant weekend in the Watagan State Forest and National Park last weekend where the Puma 110 was top of the class in the rock climbs, I experienced a sudden power loss on the freeway home. I'd be doing 100 to 110 and then there would be no throttle response until the speed slowed right down to around 70kph and then all was well again - this occurred five or six times on the way home. Even changing down the gears didn't help this. Temp was very high.

It transpires that this is the Puma quite deliberately going into self-preservation mode as the radiator was so clogged up with mud that the airflow through it was insufficient to keep the coolant temperature down.

It's been cleaned out from the front but I have to take the radiator out this weekend and give it a good clean from the engine side as well as the grill side with a garden hose...make sure all the mud is gone.

I have no idea where to begin. Any suggestions? I assume the coolant and water need to be drained first...is the subsequent radiator removal easy? Anything to look for? Can the coolant and water mix be re-used? Ayres recommended 50-50 red coolant and water.

Advice greatly appreciated as always.

Bobby

[mark_coffey]

I ahte being the bearer of bad news but I have had exaclty the same problem with a purfectly clean radiator on a cool sunny day, if the power drop lasts long enough the temp guage will rise to the top peg, and the power wont kick back in until it drops to its normal position.
Have been told that it is a known issue with my puma but live with it until it stays on the top peg!
got to love land rover service!