Problem solved

[PeterSchurms]

I have been experiencing heating problems for over 18 months. I have spent almost $3800 to get to the bottom of it. Ouch!.... But that’s the price you pay for love. The first two thinks that I checked turned out to be the problem contributors.
I paid someone 100 dollars to remove the tanks and clean the radiator, as it turned out, they did not do anything except spray some black paint and take my hard earned cash.

Two weeks ago had it checked again, the middle 1/3 was blocked. They were also sure that they tanks had no been removed before.
I also found a second thermostat (hidden behind the block) that goes to the oil cooler this was stuck.

On the weekend I really tested her out. She passed with flying colours ….

Ohhhhh happy day!!

[MattMU]

Hey Pete, sounds great, but what did you do...replace it just ditch it?

I have had a few overheating dramas, but that was at Xmas driving through central Aust towing a 700 + kg campertrailer in 40+ deg heat with the Aircon on!

My radiator cap was stuffed and the radiator was on its way out. Partially blocked and I had previously isolated a few tubes due to leaking.

So bit the bullet and recored it totally.

But that was only $350 for a new Rodeo core fitted!!! Where did the $3800 you spent come into the equasion?

Im curious about the 'other' thermostat, will have a look for it now, where exactly?? In the hose or out of the block?

Thanks

Matt.

[PeterSchurms]

Matt, I got a little carried away and wrote too much I think.. ,

I was lucky the radiator core was OK, so the service guy just removed the top and bottom tanks and cleaned the tubes. There was only 12 tubes blocked, apparently there only needs to be 15% restriction become problem. They were all located in the center.

The second thermostat looks like a non return valve, it is about 3inch long, 1inch in dia in the hose, that was located behind the block just above bell housing.

I have learnt lots over the last 18mths. I best advice I got was from a trusted diesel specialist (two weeks ago, I wish I met him 18mths ago). He works in mines in north central WA and is often dealing with heating problems. In Gregs opinion, one way to determine if you have a heating/cooling problem is how quickly the temperature rises. If the temperature rises and falls at a slow rate that may be considered normal for a diesel. There may be some over fueling. Measuring exhaust temps can be used to confirm that. If the temp rises (and falls) quite quickly (as mine was) that indicates a problem within the system somewhere. Fully loaded and driving up a hill with for >10mins, foot to the floor and then mine would rise quickly to ½ way, I was never game to let it go further to see if it would stop.

Jobs completed in order that they were done:
- Removed and cleaned radiator (not done)
- Replaced thermostat ( no difference)
- Replace inhibitor with Nulon Anti-freeze/boil (60/40 mix) (this made a difference)
- Replaced fan clutch ($200)
- Installed turbo boost gauge. Cruising @100 - 6psi, Loaded - 10psi (Maxed)
- Serviced Transmission (no difference)
- Installed Transmission cooler (no difference)
- Installed turbo timer (not related to heating problem though)
- Replaced turbo $1800 (no real difference)
- Replace injectors (no difference)
- Used an additive ‘Roil gold’ oil treatment. (this made a noticeable difference)
- Upgraded exhaust to 2.5 inch system. Threw away exhaust gate valve to heat engine. (no difference but more power)
- Replaced Auto transmission ($1100)
- Replaced all the cooling/heating hose. Found and threw away the second thermostat that goes to the oil cooler. (PROBLEM)
- Removed and checked water pump (no problem)
- Removed and cleaned radiator (PROBLEM)

I could only find receipts for $3800 but I am sure its more now that I write it all down.

Cheers,
Pete