heating problem once again!

[tamrat]

we did a major fix for the surf at home with skilled mechanic. Changed the thermostat, new fuel filter, ATF, a couple of sensors, fixed oil leakage, new brake discs, brake pads, drum, drum brakes, radiator fixed, steering problem fixed. But the heating thing is still there. I drove 6kms and it was already fire hot. I've change the thermostat and fixed the rad. I've even removed the AC rad/cooler (wat ever it is) hoping for a better air flow, but still couldnt fix it. Any suggestion?

[bullet513]

we did a major fix for the surf at home with skilled mechanic. Changed the thermostat, new fuel filter, ATF, a couple of sensors, fixed oil leakage, new brake discs, brake pads, drum, drum brakes, radiator fixed, steering problem fixed. But the heating thing is still there. I drove 6kms and it was already fire hot. I've change the thermostat and fixed the rad. I've even removed the AC rad/cooler (wat ever it is) hoping for a better air flow, but still couldnt fix it. Any suggestion?

water pump?

[shokenore]

we did a major fix for the surf at home with skilled mechanic. Changed the thermostat, new fuel filter, ATF, a couple of sensors, fixed oil leakage, new brake discs, brake pads, drum, drum brakes, radiator fixed, steering problem fixed. But the heating thing is still there. I drove 6kms and it was already fire hot. I've change the thermostat and fixed the rad. I've even removed the AC rad/cooler (wat ever it is) hoping for a better air flow, but still couldnt fix it. Any suggestion?

Define "hot"

[tamrat]

Define "hot"

REAL HOT! You won't dare touch the hood. Under the hood it feels 200degrees.

water pump?

why didn't I ever thought about that? I know the old Nissan Patrol had a water pump problem and it was overheating a lot, till i got it fixed. Thanks for the tip, will check it tomorrow!

[tamrat]

didn't get a chance to open up and see the water pump, but I can definately tell its not the factory one because its new.
i wanna ask, does surfs heat a bit more than other cars? Does turbo has any effect on overheating?

[shokenore]

Air lock ?

Viscous fan?

[Overland Tonka]

You still need to define hot...

If you live where you say you live then the bonnet will be hot even with the engine switched off....


What is the temp gauge doing??

Are you driving with weight in the back...(lots of people etc)

Are you driving fast?

[tamrat]

You still need to define hot...

If you live where you say you live then the bonnet will be hot even with the engine switched off....


What is the temp gauge doing??

Are you driving with weight in the back...(lots of people etc)

Are you driving fast?

> ya, i live in a tropical country, in a city which is 2500m asl. And we now have a cold and rainy season, hardly sunlight.

> in the morning, when i first crank it it sits on cold. Then gradually n slowly it will rise till halfway and it sits there. I've never seen it raise higher than that.

> no. Sometimes two or three passenger though. No weight in the back except car jack, fire extinguisher, small ATF, engine oil and brake fluid.

> mostly a steady 60-80km/hrs, cuz i use the ring road (the best road in ma country).

[shokenore]

> ya, i live in a tropical country, in a city which is 2500m asl. And we now have a cold and rainy season, hardly sunlight.

> in the morning, when i first crank it it sits on cold. Then gradually n slowly it will rise till halfway and it sits there. I've never seen it raise higher than that.

> no. Sometimes two or three passenger though. No weight in the back except car jack, fire extinguisher, small ATF, engine oil and brake fluid.

> mostly a steady 60-80km/hrs, cuz i use the ring road (the best road in ma country).

So am I missing something what is the actual problem?

[JD_975]

Sounds about normal to me, temp on mine sits at about 1/3 of the way up the gauge normally in uk climates, the heaters are hot generally before I leave town which again is normal for a big heavy diesel. Try an after Market temp gauge (always a good idea anyway) and if your still getting mid way readings leave it as it is!

If you still want it to run cooler you could remove the thermostat all together but I wouldn't advise it as engines do need to run at a certain heat level to perform correctly.

[Overland Tonka]

So am I missing something what is the actual problem?

So glad I asked the question...

Time for a celebration ..... .... Your truck sounds fine.... And it looks to be running ok your gauge is sitting where it should be.

If you want to test your water pump just disconnect the top hose to the rad and see how the water runs out..

[tamrat]

you all know best. i will check if the water pump works n plus i will try to remove the air lock, if there is one.

Cheers guys

[POPEYE]

The temp gauge in the dash sounds about right, mine sits halfway however if you fit an aftermarket gauge you can then see exactly what temp your running at, unless your blowing water/coolant out and the gauge is riseing into the red your truck is running fine, these engines do run a bit on the hot side in my view and i've gone to what some might say are extream lenghts to help it cool better, like adding extra back up fans, an auxillary water pump all controlled via relays and a toyota corolla fan cut-in sensor (switches at a slightly lower temp than the surf one and is a stright replacement)
also a boby lift helps (more air flow round the lump)
a bonnet scoop (although mines really for an intercooler)
a pair of bonnet vents,(some guys have raised the back of the bonnet on the hinges to let hot air out, spoils the "line" in my view tho
as a first step if i were you i'd get a decent aftermarket gauge, i fitted mine in the hose from the stat to the rad and i can see exactly when the stat opens, when the gauge hit around 80-85 deg the fans and pump cut in,
i also fitted a rad over the chassis above the back axle (where the pump is) and ya can feel the heat comeing out from the back wheel arches when the fan is running, you've no need to go to these lenghts tho as i'm a nutter

[Overland Tonka]

I just drove in 48 degree heat and found that going everywhere with the bonnet popped allowing air flow worked well...or you will notice the bonnet has rubber seals all round, just take them off.

[slobodan]

I agree all these mods help. But the best thing to do is maintain the cooling system properly. Keep an eye on water levels etc.
I have run my Surf (absolutely standard) through quite a few very hot summers.
My air con works well and I have been towing a 2 ton digger around.
I haven't had a problem. Great vehicle.

(Does the cardboard I'm touching count as wood?)