2002 diesel courier overheating

Hillsy
Just had the same prob with my cruiser (which gets its coolant changed every 2 years) and it ended up being a build up of sludge in the core. The core had to come out so as a proper clean out could be done. No more problems now.
Derek

Hi there hillsy, could have been caused by using 2 different types of coolants, what the car come with when it came from japan and what we use here in aussy, mix the 2 together and they coagulate forming a jelly like substance blocking the radiator. We had this problem alot when I worked for toyota. You would think they would use some thing compatible but that would be 2 smart for a car yard. Is it still under warranty? if so get them to fix it, otherwise take to a radiator place and get flushed out, also check that the fan coupling is locking so the fan pulls the cool air through when required eg pulling up hills with a load but I would'nt imagine it to be that with the low klms you have, if not make sure the thermostat is opening right up. Regards Vitara

Apart from the suggestions above, have you done any MUD driving lately ? if so, make sure your radiator isnt 1/4 blocked from the outside with dry mud. The onlyw away to clean that is to remove radiator from vehicle and geta high pressure cleaner to get the mud out. People often forget that after a bit of fun in the mud, we need to clean out our radiators. I std hose wont do it properly, you need pressure to clean it ALL out and having teh radiator out fo the vehicle also stops that washed out mud to run down into your chassis rail and other parts of your car where rust can start.
Ange

Hi Guys,

I agree with all the previous about checking the radiator inside and out. But while you at it, spare a thought for the intercooler too. On the Ford Courier/Mazda Bravo, the intercooler is front-mounted, very low down below the radiator - and as such it's very vulnerable. If it's externally clogged with mud or bugs or if the fins have just been battered flat by bugs and stones it will not be working at all well.

And towing is when you need it most. You'll be on full boost and full/near full throttle for long periods. An ineffective intercooler will cause combustion chamber temps (and exhaust gas temp, of course) to rise well above 'normal'. This not only puts extra load on the cooling system but can have very detrimental effects on piston crowns, valves and turbos in the long-term (or even the short-term, in the case of early Nissan ZD30 engines?! and Jackeroos??). So be sure to have a good look at it too.
Ian

Hi Hillsy,

My old man has a 2000 Bravo with the same motor. From brand new when travelling at about 120-125kmh the engine would overheat in summer. When it backed off to about 110-115kmh no probs. Only towing done was at night time occasionally so no dramas. Mazdas reply to it when asked was not to speed. Still to this day it does it but he doesn't tow much so its not a drama. I think the factory radiator in these vehicle is a little on the small side. Not much help but thought you might be interested.

cheers.

hi hillsy,
i have the exact same vehicle & have absolutely flogged it while towing trailer temp gauge is allways below half level. there is definetely something wrong get it serviced

cheers

hi hillsy,
how did it go? i forgot to mention that i knew a guy with the same symptoms & they found his clutch plate was slipping, replaced clutch & pressure plate, flushed engine.

cheers

hillsy, how did you go, did they tell you what the cause of the blockage in the radiator was?