Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:25 am
Hi Les,
Haven't heard from you for awhile. Been busy?
Your truck shouldn't be running so hot. Although I don't have a defender to compare, I'm sure the defender drivers will tell you the same thing.
The three primary reasons for overheating are plugged up cooling system (internally), dirty plugged rad (externally) and air in the system. And also, inoperable thermostat...
If you've recently flushed it out, I would think internally plugging is unlikely, however, you may have a big air bubble somewhere in the system. this is usually caused by draining the cooling system for the flush, then when filling you get an air lock where the heater hoses haven't filled. As that moves around the system it can cause it to run hot.
I would pull the thermostat and put it in a pot of water and bring it to a boil to ensure its opening just before the water boils. If not, get a new one. Also, when refilling, remove the top heater hose and fill until antifreeze dribbles out both sides of that connection. You will then have very little air in the system, which will bleed itself off on its own.
Also check in front of the rad (and any other coolers up front) to see its not caked with mud, leaves, etc., which hamper airflow and don't transfer heat well. A pressure car wash can usually do a good job of cleaning this out and can make a real difference.
Dave
Haven't heard from you for awhile. Been busy?
Your truck shouldn't be running so hot. Although I don't have a defender to compare, I'm sure the defender drivers will tell you the same thing.
The three primary reasons for overheating are plugged up cooling system (internally), dirty plugged rad (externally) and air in the system. And also, inoperable thermostat...
If you've recently flushed it out, I would think internally plugging is unlikely, however, you may have a big air bubble somewhere in the system. this is usually caused by draining the cooling system for the flush, then when filling you get an air lock where the heater hoses haven't filled. As that moves around the system it can cause it to run hot.
I would pull the thermostat and put it in a pot of water and bring it to a boil to ensure its opening just before the water boils. If not, get a new one. Also, when refilling, remove the top heater hose and fill until antifreeze dribbles out both sides of that connection. You will then have very little air in the system, which will bleed itself off on its own.
Also check in front of the rad (and any other coolers up front) to see its not caked with mud, leaves, etc., which hamper airflow and don't transfer heat well. A pressure car wash can usually do a good job of cleaning this out and can make a real difference.
Dave