Overheating

[Nicely]

Ok, so got a full heavy duty service done last week ready for my drive and move to Finland. This included hard-core winter fluid changes, including 50/50 antifreeze.

Picked her up Friday and drove back to Salisbury from Stevenage. As soon as I was on the A34 for about 20 mins driving at 60-85, got serious overheating. Pulled off and drove at 30-40 and immediately it cooled right down. The expansion tank had been blowing steam. Topped-up and it was fine the rest of the weekend.

Drove back today and exactly the same thing happened. I found that as soon as I drove at 65 or more, the temperature would quickly rise. I had to drive a full three hours at around 60 AND with the heater on full to reduce engine heat.

Absolutely no previous problems with overheating in over a year of ownership before the service.

So what did they do (or not do)? I'm thinking there's an air lock...

[LockyBalboa]

Sounds like they didn't run it through and keep topping. I did a coolant change recently and you have to run it for a bit, then top it up. DO this over the next day or two (if you use it every day) to ensure all the air is out and the cooling is operating efficiently.

Is your Surf an auto?

[Nicely]

Yeah, it's an auto.

[LockyBalboa]

Have you had the transmission fluid changed with the service? When this is old and crappy its brown in colour. On my Surf, it was overheating too quickly and cos it was cooled through the rad, this was super-heating the coolant, causing overheat to the engine. I changed the ATF and this helped MASSIVELY, as well a smaking the gear changes much more smooth.

Am now gonna fit a Transmission cooler as well - but doubt you will need this in Finland! Maybe worth chnaging the transmission fluid, though - if only for peace of mind. Simple job too. I'm a computer nerd and I managed it!

Would be worth changing the thermostat as well.

[Nicely]

The thermostat was changed. As was the cam belt and water pump (it was showing signs that it had leaked at some point). Not sure about the ATM, though I did say full fluid change. However, this was not a problem before, so I doubt that's it.

Just went and checked the level now it's cooled enough. Had to add about 1-1.5 litres. Added at least that on Friday, if not more. So much for my 50/50 antifreeze. I'll be speak to them tomorrow about this. I know they were still putting it back together in the morning and I collected at lunch time, so I suspect they didn't run and top up. Actually, they can't have!

Lol. Don't underestimate Finland. They may have frozen rivers, lakes and seas in the winter, but they've had a much warmer and consistent summer than we have this year!