Keeping it cool

[Aussie Surfer]

Hi there,

Been reading through some of the posts and everyone seems to have the same problem with the head cracking. Yes happened to me too. It's been replaced now hopefully with the revised design. (Didn't know about that at the time) Just wondering if anybody has come up with a sure fire solution to keep engine temps down. I ripped of the original electric fan and installed a larger thermo fan thats wired to run constantly. Seems to be working fine until I start putting the engine under increased load. (Driving up steep hills etc.) Does not get excessively hot but dont want to push my luck. I would rather not cut any holes in the bonnet for scoops etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Tallyman]

One possibility might be to fit a bonnet extractor fan as that would help to pull the air through the rad and out of the top of the engine bay (where it will be hottest - try putting your hand on the bonnet after a long run), as they seem to get very hot under the bonnet due to a lack of free air flow under there with such a big lump of engine.

Alternatively, if you've got an automatic, try fitting the rad from a manual and a large separate ATF oil cooler. The manual rad doesn't have the large bore ATF oil cooler in the base of the rad that causes a restriction in the flow of coolant in the auto rad.

[Aussie Surfer]

Not real keen to cut holes in the bonnet for flutes etc. The radiator swap may be the go, by the way it is an auto. Does the manual radiator bolt straight upto the auto rad mounts? Would be interested to hear if any body has tried this,with what success?

Cheers Mate.

[Guest]

I have an auto and have no problem with engine temp. If you do a lot of towing then an autobox oil cooler on top of the one in the bottom of the radiator may help. A good thing is to use a coolant additive like DEI radiator Relief or Redline water wetter as both these will help reduce engine temp.

Basically I think as long as the cooling system is clean and airlock and dirt free, the system is perfectly capable of cooling the 2.4 engine very well. Spotlights in front of the grill don't help as does a viscous fan that is not working well. I think you best bet is just to spend the money on making sure that the cooling system is functioning 100% and then you should be OK.

Cheers

[dirtydog]

me too!
i got an auto 2.4 on with which I towed about 1300kgs or more up some stinker of a hill and the needle didnt move barely. Fan works no probs

[Aussie Surfer]

Got the radiator flushed 6 months ago when the head was replaced so I think everything should be ok there. Apparantely is was pretty clogged up but. It runs fairly high concentrated coolant but I will give the additive a go.

Thanks

[Pete]

Got the radiator flushed 6 months ago when the head was replaced so I think everything should be ok there. Apparantely is was pretty clogged up but. It runs fairly high concentrated coolant but I will give the additive a go.

Thanks

Did you get the rad flow checked? Sometimes they can become badly clogged, and no amount of flushing will clear them. Re-core or new rad are the only options. As already mentioned, viscous fan must be functioning properly. If the cooling system is all working as it should, you shouldn't need any mods.
Pete