heating problem on GQ

Submitted: Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 13:30
ThreadID: 29502 Views:1504 Replies:6 FollowUps:2
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As Adelaide has had a few hot days in the past month I have noticed a heating problem with my 2.8td GQ.
Going up the freeway thru the hills yesterday the temp sat on the "H" all the way up (top of the dial). Didn't start to drop until I got to Stirling (top of the hills). Same problem up North near Wilmington going thru Horricks pass only 2 weeks ago.
Temp comes back to normal fairly quickly after the climbing has stopped. Coolant and hoses are new and coolant level is fine. I have actually put in the highest quality coolant.
1. is this normal for the guage to get so high?
2. am I doing any harm to the engine or turbo?
3. as the radiator is 10 years old is it time for a new one?

Thanks,
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Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 13:55

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 13:55
IMHO it might be time to get the radiator checked out, rodded and/or replaced as 10 years is a good run.
However, I suspect that the temp needle getting up to the H zone is probably not too much to worry about for short periods of time......(but I wouldn't be comfortable seeing it actually inside the "H" zone; just at the start of the last area.
On my GU, the start of the H zone equals about 120oC on a VDO gauge which has it's sender in the top hose. Thsi sort of temp (ie: 120oC) is said to be okay for short stints; like going up a hill for example.
AnswerID: 147397

Reply By: Big Trev - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:08

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:08
This used to happen to me too, it could the viscous coupling on your fan. Get the car to normal running temp, then grab the fan, be careful though, and then see if its spins backwards, if it does it usually means that it is knackered. $300 should give you a new one DOH!!!!
AnswerID: 147401

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:10

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:10
Radiator is 10 yrs old, has it ever been removed and reverse flushed??

That would be my first stop.
AnswerID: 147402

Reply By: Gossy - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:28

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:28
When I replaced the coolant and hoses about 12 months ago I tried to flush it as well as I could with a hose but that's about it.
Just got a quote from NATRAD for a new heavy duty 3 core radiator for a bit over $550. Might just bite the bullet and get that done. Money I don't have (new house and all) but good insurance I guess with a long hot summer ahead of us!
AnswerID: 147404

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 17:26

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 17:26
but if you spend this $, will it actually fix the issue?

Yes / No / Possibly
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FollowupID: 400770

Reply By: J.T. - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:36

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:36
Just wondering can you top the oil up in the viscous cooling fan?I think you can on Toyota,s.
AnswerID: 147407

Follow Up By: Flash - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 17:25

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 17:25
Yes you can, just separate the two halves and use the silicon oil available from Toyota.
BUT If you put in too much it runs continuously.
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FollowupID: 400769

Reply By: draff - Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:51

Monday, Jan 09, 2006 at 14:51
I had a problem with my GQ overheating and I got the radiator completely flushed out and repaired etc. and I haven't had a problem since - cost about $160 (but i did remove and refit the radiator myself). Might be a good place to start as Truckster suggests.
AnswerID: 147411

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