.... another overheating problem (soon to be followed by what's the best oil...)

[Swedjen2]

So the radiator is 20 y.o.? That's a somewhat cheap part.
For your reference, i am running 194 to 198-deg F at highway speeds with the new Nissens, . Temp may run up to the occasional 197 to 204-deg when idling (depends on ambient temp and whether air-con fan is running).
I DON'T have the grey TD-5 thermostat nor a new fan clutch.
I DO have the Bypass Kit for the stock LR thermostat-will install it next week.

 

[Flyfish]

Hey, I really do appreciate the feedback -

I just hate the "throw parts until you fix it" approach. I prefer to know what's broken specifically - not just - it overheats.

Thanks again for the suggestions -
-sm

Like I said, do a compression test to see if a cylinder has low compression and likely a problem. Also, add a UV dye to your antifreeze and then you can look to see where it shows up. Inside a cylinder, exhaust, leaking on the motor etc. And make sure you don’t have a hot spot because there’s still air in the cooling system.

 

[DiscoHasBeen]

Like I said, do a compression test to see if a cylinder has low compression and likely a problem. Also, add a UV dye to your antifreeze and then you can look to see where it shows up. Inside a cylinder, exhaust, leaking on the motor etc. And make sure you don’t have a hot spot because there’s still air in the cooling system.

No offense to you. I know you're trying to help. This is to the OP mostly. Why? This engine has 200k miles on it and is prone to fail after being overheated. It's overheated more than once sounds like. Throwing good money after bad. The engine is done, what does it matter why it's done?

 

[Swedjen2]

....It's overheated more than once sounds like. Throwing good money after bad. The engine is done, what does it matter why it's done?

The O.P is probably an engineer. They want to know why stuff breaks and methodically figure out the solution to fix it.

 

[Flyfish]

No offense to you. I know you're trying to help. This is to the OP mostly. Why? This engine has 200k miles on it and is prone to fail after being overheated. It's overheated more than once sounds like. Throwing good money after bad. The engine is done, what does it matter why it's done?

I hear ya. Just seems he should have found obvious evidence of mixing fluids or the combustion fluid test or something resembling a catastrophic issue.

I’ve seen air in the system or a slipping fan clutch and other stupid shit that got overlooked but was the cause of overheating. Otherwise there are tests for every possible type of internal failure. And he can do them for free.

I don’t think very much actual diagnostic work has been done.

 

[bendts]

I had one of the Frost plugs leaking - Just enough to drop the level each month, but had know idea where it was going until i was doing something under and saw the drips.

 

[salvvia]

X2 on check fan clutch , also check radiator top and bottom hose temp there should be at least a20 deg difference after thermostat opens up ie you could take it out to eliminate that question of thermostat get a cheap heat gun. Somebody could else could elaborate a little more precisely on temp drop. Keep us posted