Overheating
After a few months of ownership the car suddenly started overheating.
The sudden onset of this overheating indicated the cause to be blockages
in the waterways as a result of frequent use after long periods of non-use
under previous ownership. A good run loosens all the rubbish that formed
while the car was standing, resulting in restricted flow of coolant. I decided
to give the system a good flush to see if that would cure the problem.
The first problem I found was a non standard thermostat.
However, this would not have caused the overheating...
...as the by-pass pipe was blocked off with a rubber plug
to ensure proper flow of coolant.
Making my own thermostat housing gaskets.
The engine drain tap was blocked. I had to remove the tap
to clear the blockage, and found this inside.
Once I managed to clear the blockage water flowed
freely from the engine drain hole.
After much searching I finally managed to locate a "cool",
African and Australian spec thermostat from a supplier in
the UK. I tested the operation of the thermostat by
boiling it in a pot on the stove.
In order to trap the last bit of dirt I inserted a stocking in
the top hose and used the vehicle without a thermostat
while waiting for the new one to arrive. The stocking
was almost clean, so hopefully most of the dirt
was flushed out first time around.
Before reassembling I flushed the system once more
for good measure.
The engine drain tap was cleaned...
...before re-installation.
The new thermostat is a very tight fit. I have no idea
how I'm going to get it out again!
The whole lot cleaned and re-assembled. Now for the
moment of truth...
Success! Under normal conditions the needle
now settles just below 75 deg's.
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