KZN130 - she's let me down!

[solidpro]

Are you checking this at the rad cap? You keep saying expansion tank cap, the level in there has nothing to do the coolant level.

Sorry for being a numpty but can you be clear as to what you mean with 'rad cap'? Do you mean the metal cap on the top of the radiator? What am I looking for when i take the cap off and look inside? the insides of the rad, or water?

The thermostat was not changed with the radiator. But the temp gauge in the dash goes up and down just as you would expect.

Edit - did some searching and it looks like I need to let the engine cool down properly overnight and then look inside the rad cap to ensure the radiator is full. Am I right in thinking the radiator cap seal can blow and let coolant escape? Would this cause no hot air in blowers, as well as engine overheading on revs only?

thanks

[Wolfracer]

if you rev the engine, the impeller will pump/suck the coolant. this may take fluid away from the sensor or send it to it giving your "revving" reading.
Rad cap = Radiator cap - on top of the radiator. These can fail and leak. Because of the heat, the liquid evaporates and cannot be seen.
As is the case in the rusty pipes leading to the rear heater.

It does sound like you have a lot of air in the system or a very low coolant level.
A hose pipe fits nicely onto the heater pipes going thru the bulkhead. Why not try pumping water through to "flush" any air out?

[solidpro]

ok thanks so to be clear:

1) How do I actually tell my coolant is low (if I ignore what is in the expansion tank)? I read somewhere that after 12 hours, a perfect level would be to take the rad cap off, and see the radiator full of coolant. Also the expansion tank should be about 1/3 full. Is this true? Bear in mind the car is elevated 20 degrees still...

2) To stick a hose on the bulkhead water pipes to the heater matrix, whereabouts are the pipes - I seem to remember there is one for in and one for out, right? Just pull both pipes off, connect the hose and flush at house water pressure?

3) I'll head out in the morning and see if I can get a 45mm rad cap also. Is it possible to see the cap if nuked by eye?

cheers

[muddle]

Go outside, take the metal rad cap off, its the one nearer the middle of the engine with a fat pipe below running to the top of the radiator. Fill it full of fluid and leave that metal cap off overnight. Then in morning pop it back on and see how it is then.

Remember to have the heaters on full hot setting.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Go outside, take the metal rad cap off, its the one nearer the middle of the engine with a fat pipe below running to the top of the radiator. Fill it full of fluid and leave that metal cap off overnight. Then in morning pop it back on and see how it is then.

Remember to have the heaters on full hot setting.

The rad cap is on the actual rad on the 3.0.

[muddle]

Fail.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Fail.

Some pictures for you.....

http://www.toyotasurf.asn.au/techsite/

[solidpro]

Ok, took the rad cap off this morning and about 8mm of the rubber/foam seal stuck to the top of the rad - so it's perished. also the rad is not full.

I've been to the local small motor factors (may they long survive with any luck) and got a matching rad cap and a gallon of a/f. We'll see how she goes later this afternoon...

cheers

[solidpro]

Ok.

She is pishing coolant all over the floor, directly under the engine. I have looked from all angles (she was elevated so I could look directly under) and I can't see where its coming from. It seems to be running down the engine itself and flowing all around the bits at the bottom.

Will have another look in daylight but so far I can't see it being simple to get to, whatever it is.

[Wolfracer]

My guess is water pump seal.... Search and you shall find. easy fix, really is. Nothing on these trucks is rocket science as long as you get a littlw help from those that know.

[solidpro]

Is the water pump the aluminium-coloured thing bolted to the front, left side of the engine, behind the radiator? That's pretty much where it appears to be coming from, but I can't see enough around it to be sure.