2003 Pajero NP overheating

[Bdg]

Hi guys

I picked up a 2003 Pajero from auction so I was expecting few niggles here and there, however now I'm really worried as I've now come to learn that it overheats, I've noticed this mainly happens in idle however it's not very consistent. The most concerning episode took place when I noticed white smoke under the bonnet and then a boiling sound.
My mechanic said it might be the the main fan as he seems to think it might be faulty but I'm not convinced.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[GHendo]

Welcome to the forum mate.

Is your vehicle diesel or petrol - ie. which engine do you have ?

Cheers

Geoff

[Bdg]

Hi Geoff

It's petrol and sitting on 310000km odometer reading

[Ocean]

Hi BDG,

Welcome mate, the visco fan on both the Petrel and Diesel Pajero like many other manufactures models do fail overtime. Your machanic starting there makes sense and I am sure he will check many of the other elements of the cooling system. Keep us posted on the progress there is many members on the forum that will be able to provide advice if you machanic has problems.

Cheers Ocean

[erad]

The viscous coupling on the radiator fan is probably failing, but not yet dead. The coupling probably has lost some of its fluid. When the engine revs a bit harder, there is enough fluid left to drive the fan. New coupling or maybe even top-up of the old one - you may have to drill the casing and then plug it afterwards. You used to be able to buy coupling fluid from Toyota. Depends on how badly it is leaking too.

[chrisfarru]

I refurbished mine with Toyota oil. This is the DIY thread.

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=43596&highlight=viscous

Still going strong, more than 50,000 kms later

[George Whiley]

I'd start with the simple, cheap stuff, new coolant, make sure you run the heater to flush the core and make sure you bleed air from the system using the bleed screws(where the yellow stickers are at the top of the hose) also make sure the hose inside the overflow is connected properly

[mrbitchi]

White smoke and boiling? What was the temp gauge doing?

To get that hot under normal conditions (you weren't towing then were you?) I'd say either you have a blockage, radiator or thermostat most likely culprits, or you have a cracked head / blown head gasket.

[Stroker]

Hey BDG

I think this model that you have had a reputation for radiator blockages caused by the coolant turning to a Gel, you might be able to do a search on that

Cheers Glenn

[Bdg]

Truly a wealth of knowledge on this forum.

Thank you for all your input.

Anyone had experience regarding the cleaning of the radiator to remove the gel? I'm thinking this along with the fan replacement might be an ideal start.

[Aussie_Dan]

Anyone had experience regarding the cleaning of the radiator to remove the gel? I'm thinking this along with the fan replacement might be an ideal start.

I wouldn't bother with the old radiator. A brand new 25mm thick core is less than $300 (for the diesel) from Natrad. The V6 radiator would be about the same price. You will be better off just replacing it...
Cheers, Dan.

[Darwiniandude]

I found mine overheated (went over halfway on gauge) when in drive thoughs, stop start traffic, hills, in hot weather with aircon on. Changed lots of stuff, flush, new radiator etc. clutch fan seemed okish, did diy fix, helped for awhile. Eventually bought genuine clutch fan overseas (too expensive here) problem 100% solved for me at least.

[mrbitchi]

I wouldn't bother with the old radiator. A brand new 25mm thick core is less than $300 (for the diesel) from Natrad. The V6 radiator would be about the same price. You will be better off just replacing it...
Cheers, Dan.

x2

[Tamworth]

Overheating

I can't remember the layout of the NP Radiators, but it may be a simple as your radiator is clogged with dirt, dust and grass seeds. The NS and NW engine radiator is very close to the AC one (and auto transmission cooler?)

I found mine use to get clogged with crap from driving on dirt roads and grass seeds across paddocks . I had mine cleaned out and hey presto the over heating I suffered on steep climbs went away. Very cheap fix

Have a look at between your radiators and cooling fins

[Darwiniandude]

In case it's helpful to the OP here is the thread where I tracked down my own cooling issues, in my case anyway, to the clutch fan. http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/...ad.php?t=36226