I am towing a 1750kg caravan with my '03 Petrol NP Auto (132,000 km). On a couple of occasions, I have found that the car begins to overheat on an incline or after a long stretch in soft sand (beach, but not towing).
I read this thread where a lot of comments on a similar issue were made: http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/...ad.php?t=10256
The most recent issue, the day was fairly warm (32°C) and I had the a/c on which I switched off pretty fast when the temp headed north. and dropped into 3rd gear and held it there at about 2900 RPM for the climb. I generally keep the car in 4th for the trip and find that it seems to keep it cooler - no scientific evidence though... but even if it is not overheating I find it pulls and holds speed better in 4th.
The rest of the trip was reasonable as long as I kept the a/c off on the hills.
My feeling is that the radiator keeps both engine and AT cool, so to maximise engine life, it doesn't pay to run it hot. Looking at this site (previously recommended in a thread) http://www.nationwideautoparts.com.a...ERO%20RADIATOR, it seems that one can purchase a brand new HD radiator for $621. What does it cost to rod out a radiator at the agents - pretty close to that with their costs and then filling with coolant etc. I would think. Is it a big job to change out as a DIY job, and just be done buying a new one? Could the thermostat "stick" and not fully open?
Appreciate comments and suggestions as I do not want to fork out unnecessarily.
I read this thread where a lot of comments on a similar issue were made: http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/...ad.php?t=10256
The most recent issue, the day was fairly warm (32°C) and I had the a/c on which I switched off pretty fast when the temp headed north. and dropped into 3rd gear and held it there at about 2900 RPM for the climb. I generally keep the car in 4th for the trip and find that it seems to keep it cooler - no scientific evidence though... but even if it is not overheating I find it pulls and holds speed better in 4th.
The rest of the trip was reasonable as long as I kept the a/c off on the hills.
My feeling is that the radiator keeps both engine and AT cool, so to maximise engine life, it doesn't pay to run it hot. Looking at this site (previously recommended in a thread) http://www.nationwideautoparts.com.a...ERO%20RADIATOR, it seems that one can purchase a brand new HD radiator for $621. What does it cost to rod out a radiator at the agents - pretty close to that with their costs and then filling with coolant etc. I would think. Is it a big job to change out as a DIY job, and just be done buying a new one? Could the thermostat "stick" and not fully open?
Appreciate comments and suggestions as I do not want to fork out unnecessarily.
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