Runs hot under load..

[Dr Fingers]

Have recently fitted TM2 engine temp alarm, in addition to the LCA. Van has been running happily itro 87-91 degrees, including 70 on Mway.

Yesterday was warm(ish), and had to run around some steep hills, though not for very long. Alarm went off at 96 (as set), temp climbing rapidly, so pulled over. Topped out at 102, coolant just starting to escape through overflow pipe on header tank. Waited 5 mins, and decided to drive on, as was clear of hills and had a long down hill roll in front. Engine cooled down within 2 mins to normal.

Any suggestions? Runs perfectly since, but obviously the Pyrenees would not be a good idea until I get this sorted!

Thanks


Derek

[wonkanoby]

might be rad is sludged up

did the rad get hot ie was stat open

[Dr Fingers]

No mechanic, sorry. How would I check if stat open?

Rad replaced 12 months ago, didn't check if it was hot, just assumed it would be. new hoses, water pump etc..

Derek

[helen&tony]

Hi
102 can be seen on a TM2, depending on where the sensor is situated. Water loss at that temperature (dependent on the siting of the sensor) is a bit unusual. First thing to check , is whether the radiator caps are correctly rated. Secondly. the stat may be a bit lazy, or sticking. If it had been running O.K. before, it might be worth checking the bottom radiator hose after a run. It will be warm after stopping from a run, as there's plenty of cooling from the rad. but it'll be very hot after a heavy load such as you describe. How much water was lost from the header tank?...If it still had water / coolant in the tank, I suggest that you bleed it, and try again. Don't instantly think problem , until there is one. Once it's been bled properly, report back!
Cheers
Helen

[wonkanoby]

feel bottom hose running into rad on front passenger side

[Dr Fingers]

Thanks to all for the advice.

V little water actually lost (but I did pull over quickly!), just starting to drip from the header tank overflow pipe. Will be passing my usual bongo man tomorrow, so will get him to check her over.

Derek

[winchman]

Mine runs at 92-96 depending on load usually has 6 people in it and up and around the Welsh hills.
I have seen 100 once when I stopped the engine when it was at 97 after a long climb, but once restarted it soon cools down

[Dr Fingers]

I pulled over at 102, but it was still climbing

[helen&tony]

Hi
As stated...the figures are different wherever you put the sensor....where is yours?....also, as there'sno hard and fast rule with a TM2 regarding temperature reading, what you are looking for is a DIFFERENCE....and you had that, and stopped...so you did right by the reading you got...NOW try to find why...
Once your "chap" has looked. report back!!!...
Cheers
Helen

[winchman]

Mines on the back of the head.

[hijimhere]

Not to sure about what temps that thermostat open/close - my experience suggests that thermostats are fully opened @ 98 degree and boiling point with a good 50/50 mixture is 106/107 degrees. Maybe it was a stuck thermostat. Has it happened again?

[Dr Fingers]

Not happened since, but not had to climb those vicious little hills. Bongy in having AFT oil changed, plus work on Air Con (eek!). Have asked for thermostat check. No sign of coolant loss. As said, TM2 is all about variation from a norm. Norm was 87-90, so 102 was 'time to pull over".

Derek

[helen&tony]

Hi
Good luck, then...keep us in the picture!
Do you mind me asking how much an air-con re-gas is back in the UK?....I just had mine done yesterday, after taking the rear heater out and replacing...cost me £17.00 for the guy to go to my garage, and degas it, then a day or 2 later re-gas it. Rear window also swapped over...£28.00....I've lost touch with UK prices, and we were discussing labour costs yesterday!
Cheers
Helen

[Dr Fingers]

You don't want to know. They won't lift a bonnet for £28 round my way..

Derek

Prob itro £45-65

[helen&tony]

Hi
When I was last in the UK, it was around £40- 60 an hour, and more at a main dealer, and £200.00 per panel for a reasonable paint job, but only minor bodywork at that price.....so it seems prices aren't that much more....
Cheers
Helen