2.5TD XLT Double Cab Overheating problems

nanyuki · #1 09-01-2011, 04:41 AM

Really need some help here...
I have 2.5 TD XLT double cab 4X4 UK spec which I have out here in East Africa. It has caused me a few overheating problems. Initial symptoms were bubbles in expansion bottle and radiator and loss of coolant due to high temp.

I stripped the engine and changed the head gasket, skimmed the head and replaced the thermostat but there is still pressure building in the radiator with overheating (especially when working uphills).

I also flushed the system with some rad flush and it seemed to solve the problem for a while. It has sinced started overheating again and building pressure in the radiator and expansion tank. Coolant is brown in colour now which I assume is as a result of the flush chemicals cleaning the cooling system out..

I have pulled the top hose off the radiator to check that there was coolant being pushed by the water pump and the pressure seems fine.

I have a new radiator ready to fit but I am unsure if this is going to solve the problem. Does anyone have any suggestions that can help....really can't afford to break down in the middle of the African Bush.

sgtsandman · #2 09-01-2011, 06:19 AM

Have you checked the radiator cap itself? I had temperature problems on a previous vehicle because it wouldn't hold the proper pressure.

nanyuki · #3 09-01-2011, 09:11 PM

I forgot to mention that I had also replaced the radiator cap as I thought the rpessure was escaping there from the start. I noticed that there was some corrosion in the neck of the radiator itself. Maybe the problem is being caused by the radiator neck not seating the cap properly. I am changing the rad today so I will see how that goes.

nanyuki · #4 09-02-2011, 12:21 PM

Well it appears that I have a hairline crack in the head that was forcing hot air into the cooling system. This was what was forcing the coolant out of the radiator into the expansion bottle. I havnt fitted the new radiator yet as I am waiting for a new head to arrive. In the meantime the Ranger is still in use for local journeys without thrashing the engine and monitoring the coolant. I have made a temporary fix by using some wonder weld and rearranging the cooling system.

The arrangement I have made is to bypass the funny water jacket around the exhaust above the rocker cover, I reckon this was a design to heat the coolant up quickly to get the engine working at the best temp soon after starting but I dont think it is really needed here in Africa.

Only thing left to do now is ro rebuild the new head with valves, cam etc and fit the new gasket and head to the block.....any tips??