03 Disco overheating...

[ml4x4]

03 Disco Overheating...
I'm in sales and spend a lot of time sitting at idle with the A/C on high.
When I sit for longer than 20-30 minutes, the temp guage gets close to red, if not just on it.
I'm in PHX and the summer highs avg 110 or more.

I've heard the Thermostats/cooling system in these is supposed withstand such heat, but I don't think so...
Last summer we did a trail in Sedona at very low speed of course, nothing strenuous and the same thing happened several times over the course of a two hour trail ride.

Should I look to swap out the Thermostat?
coolant level is normal...

I know that's a lot to ask of any vehicle, but again from what I was told, I'm looking for advice...

Thanks!

 

[MB3]

I am no mechanic, but I have never had any sort of heating issue with the truck. I just spent the week before last in Anza Borrego, which was about 110 the entire time. The only time the temp gauge climbed above the level mark was coming out of the valley with AC on. I have NEVER seen the temp gauge anywhere close to the red.

In my unprofessional opinion, it most likely could be thermostat related.

 

[MUSKYMAN]

If I were in the DSW I would swap oput the clutch fan for the extreem duty version and move way more air over the radiator...but I run one and I am in the midwest

it shouldent be having a issue believe it or not so you do have something thats not all correct.

check the fluid level first

then when its hot turn off the engine and pop the hood, the fan should feel really tight when its real hot.

 

[ml4x4]

Thanks guys, I also noticed that the fan kept running after turning off the truck.

I guess I'll look at the Thermostat and see what I can do from there...

 

[kennith]

How many miles do you have? Certainly check for mechanical issues, like the thermostat. You should be changing your coolant often. Rovers hate old coolant. Nevermind the level, change at set intervals. I do mine every 30k. It's expensive, sure, but would you rather buy a head gasket or a coolant change?

Of course, that's pretty hot, 110, but you shouldn't have any issues with overheating.

Cheers,

Kennith

 

[pjkbrit]

03?...still under warranty under 50K?

 

[CoyGlasscock]

Just spent four days traveling. We had a pet with us and could not leave it in the vehicle, so the motor and the A/C ran for about 12 hours non-stop each day.

That was including a lot of stopping and idling time. That was through the Mojave Desert where it was at 120 degrees in Death Valley and averaged 107 degrees on Hwy 395. Last week I left it running on a Construction site in Victorville (above 105 degrees) for two hours.

My temp was steady and never changed, it really impressed me. No problems.

In fact I?ll go out on a limb and say that my 2003 Disco is the most temperature stable vehicle I have ever owned.

Before Summer I was looking into ways to upgrade the cooling, but after the last two weeks, I?ll leave it alone.

I do change coolant twice a year on all of my vehicals, ragardless of what the owners manual says.

 

[ml4x4]

Well, I think i have an issue that needs more attention after what you guys have offered.
My Disco has 83K on it, we drive all over AZ checking stuff out on weekends, etc. plus I'm in sales and drive all day long.

thanks guys!

 

[ptschram]

If the fan freewheels when you shut the engine off, the clutch is dead.

Also, check the radiator where it meets the tanks. DII radiators are prone to leakage prematurely. The plenum deicer is another common leak point.