I want it, but it's running hot

[skippy3k]

I've got my eye on a 1992 Range Rover in my area that is going for a very good price. The only problem is the previous owner says it is running hot, and he doesn't know why. He has all the receipts for the thousands he's put into it, but after sending it to "master mechanics", he finally gave up on the overheating and is selling it. In trying to fix the problem, he's replaced the following;

Head gaskets
Hoses
Plugs and wires
Radiator
Water pump
Coolant Resovior cap and sensor

I am thinking it's got to be a problem with the block itself. If it is, then I will pass on it. But can anyone come up with another less serious possibility that may convince me to not pass on this great deal?

 

[RoverDude]

I did not see thermostat? But that's so simple, the "Master Mechanics" would have for sure changed that when some of the list was done.

 

[skippy3k]

I don't see it on the list he gave me either...but I've got to assume that was one of the things he replaced. That would be too easy....I think.

 

[ROVERT]

Fan Clutch? but that would also be too easy.

 

[landrovered]

Very well could be porous block or a cracked or slipping liner. LRO board has lots of info on porous block.

 

[ptschram]

I wouldn't expect a '92 to suffer from the porous block problems. That seemed to be more in the much later blocks.

If the price was right, I wouldn't be afraid of it.

 

[landrovered]

PT: Easy to diagnose with a $30 coolant exhaust gas tester kit from NAPA.

 

[ptschram]

PT: Easy to diagnose with a $30 coolant exhaust gas tester kit from NAPA.

Chances are if that's the case, exhaust can be smelled in the expansion tank. Pressurizing combustion chambers with shop air is great way to tell too.

I'd almost be willing to bet that the head bolts were merely torqued to 40 ft-lbs... Unless it was a Rover shop, there's a ridiculously high likelihood of this being the case.

 

[landrovered]

I had a buddy with a D1 that was badly overheated and a local shop had torn the motor down to the block. The owner wanted to put humpty back together. I told him it was a 50/50 that it was only the head gasket and recommended a new block. Not what he wanted to do so, I put it back together and the temperature was perfect for the first 30 minutes until the liner would slip and it would bubble all the coolant out and overheat.

The gas test proved what was happening.

 

[Gordo]

keep looking, plenty of cheap RRCs out there. I just got a driver for 200 bucks, a little beat but it all works

 

[skippy3k]

It's listed for $3k. I think I can do better. Plus, the ad kinda scares me. BUY IT NOW!!!! GREAT DEAL!!!!! TRADE FOR ANYTHING!!!!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/890165858.html

 

[agbuckle98]

you may want to put an aux temp gauge on the truck and see if it actually running hot or if the crappy factory gauge just says it is. First thing I ever did with my 1990 was put a new sender in it because it would always read overheat after about 15 minutes of driving.

 

[skippy3k]

Ah, but I've moved on to bigger and better things. I just got a 1995 LWB that I am picking up this Sunday. That guy can keep his "master mechanic" truck.

 

[Gordo]

smart man!