2003 nissn Pathfinder over heating. MODS required or not
Submitted: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 17:36
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cross path
HI I’m using a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder as a weekender. We got it about month and half ago.. Car has been doing
well all this time on slight off road and weekend running. Now the summer heat has started rising and the outside temp is around 42C. During last weekend dune bashing ma engine got over heated and temp was rite at the top of the gage, Then toped it up with water ( no coolant was available) then towed it out of the sand to the tarmac. Gave about 30 mist for the engine to cool and drove back about 20KM to the gas pump the temp gage was at ½ way or one bar higher at the Gas pump Fill up about 3 ltrs of Coolant once engine cooled down, However now when I’m on the high way the temp gage is about ¼ up and if slow drive/ in traffic is goes up to ½ or one bar upper than half. Note that the gage was on ¼ all the time before this.
Add to that the coolant levels have not dropped in the radiator last two days. The resave tank is almost empty though. also the car is been only used not more than three days a week. I have an appointment with ma regular garage today eve.
Should I modify the cooling system if I’m to do off road with the pathy? Or is it normal? What mods should I do if I am planning on serious off road with the pathy, I’ve seen below mods been done on pathfinders cooling systems..
• Additional fan
• Transmission cooling system
• Heavy-duty radiator.
Appreciate your suggestions and advice on this…
Cheers
Path
Reply By: Roughasguts - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 19:19
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 19:19
I would sure as hell get the cooling system checked that's for sure, loosing that much water is not suitable in any vehicle.
I don't no anything about the Nissan but a pressure check will not go astray, then run your hand over all the hoses and conections there has to be a leak there somewhere maybe even the radiator tank has a split.
You can do this Hot of course with the engine off put plenty of coolant in you can then either see the leak or start to smell it as coolant has a sweet smell when steaming out the cooling system.
Cheers
AnswerID:
511331
Reply By: Razerback - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 21:12
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 21:12
Normal maintenance is all that is required, just fix whatever caused the overheating, coolant leak, water pump, radiator etc and leave the car as is
AnswerID:
511340
Reply By: member - mazcan - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 21:42
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 21:42
hi path
my guess would be that the radiator fins is blocked up with maybe insects/grass/dust /mud have you looked between the radiator and the air conditioner cores it may be blocked up
fairly common problem and if you dont know the vehicles previous history of a 2003 vintage
the thermostat may be sticking or the water pump could be failing its not uncommon for a water pump to spit water out
have you checked the drive belt it might be worn as
well and slipping when the engine gets hotter than normal driving in heavier conditions
dune bashing is heavy work on any engine and the temp will usually go
well above normal on a hot day
there could also be a soft radiator hose that is collapsing
if you cant do the above yourself
it needs to be taken to a specialist in above fields
at ten years old it could be all or some of the above
but if you don't get it fixed you could quiet easily
cook your motor
cheers
AnswerID:
511342
Follow Up By: cross path - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 23:12
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 23:12
QUEBBAMBIDDYBUMTAL and guys Thanx a ton for the input. The pathy was with a family friend of ours for the last 8 years and
well looked after it still goes to the Agents for every 20k Service.
The new developments are. I did regular running of around 100 kms today. The water levels have not dropped no overheating outside is around 40C . mechanic checked the radiator and pressured it up, no leak was visible. he advice to change the cap and run for few days to see if the water level is dropping. If dropping he said we'll investigate further.
Cheers will keep you posted.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: cross path - Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 23:14
Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 23:14
add to above the pipes and the belts was also checked.
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Reply By: olcoolone - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 09:12
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 09:12
If you coolant level is OK and the coolant is not muddy I would be looking at a lazy viscous fan.
No use pulling apart and replacing everything unless you have good airflow through the radiator.
AnswerID:
511367
Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 10:28
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 10:28
Yep the viscous coupling is a good thing to check. Also I notice that you refer to the WATER level being ok.
Water does not belong in modern engines. The correct COOLANT at the correct concentration should always be used. Water is only ok for a short term emergency top up.
Also make sure no-one has removed the fan shroud. This is very important to maintaining a good airflow through the radiator.
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Follow Up By: olcoolone - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 13:44
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 13:44
QUOTE"Also I notice that you refer to the WATER level being ok"
Yeap..... forgot the pedantic side of EO and how perfect one has to be in what they mean and say..... opps I mean type.
But maybe I would like everyone to put water in..... It would bring more work into my worksop...... hey thanks for the marketing tip.
An sorry Ill never make that mistake again.
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Follow Up By: olcoolone - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 13:51
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 13:51
Hang on a minute..... I didn't say anything about water, I referred to it as coolant.
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Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 15:23
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 15:23
I know you did not mention water.
I was agreeing with your statement in referring to the cooling medium as coolant. I wanted the OP to realise water is not suitable.
A little touchy aren't we?
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Follow Up By: olcoolone - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 22:18
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 22:18
When you use the word "you" when replying to my post the remarks are directed at me.
Maybe you should have directed it to "cross path".
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 16:07
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 16:07
Where did I use the word you! I was in TOTAL agreement with your statement & then you get critical toward me.
I give up. I am out of here!
FollowupID:
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Reply By: kev.h - Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 10:50
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 10:50
Hi Had that exact issue with mine sounds like a failing thermostat
They are not like your normal type but are a shuttle style designed for cold climate where they recirculate a portion of the hot water back through the head on cold days so the engine runs at operating temp. when they start to play up they do what yours is doing
Also a blocked radiator may not help
Cheers Kevin
AnswerID:
511371
Reply By: Rhys t - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 08:22
Monday, May 20, 2013 at 08:22
I had a gq that was only getting hot off road at slower speeds with more load it turned out to be a fan hub cheap and easy fix. When the car is hot see if you can stop it from spinning easily with a bit of wood or something if it stops then try replacing that
AnswerID:
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