Prado VX 3.0 TDI 2002 Overheating

[Nomad247 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Nomad247]

I am the owner of a Prado 90 VX 3.0 TDi. I noticed a while back returning from a trip to the bush, that the car was overheating as I travelled uphill. I took it to the dealers and the radiator was cleanded and serviced, unblocked. I have noticed the problem sticking its neck out again. The temperature guage does not peak at overheat, nor does the water boil. The temperature inside the engine bay seems to be "normal". As I start the uphill the guage is at normal. By 70% of the hill it has climbed to over half.
When I reach the top and let it run without accelerating, the guage returns to normal almost immediately. Within 4-6 seconds. Is it still the radiator? The ambient temperature was 30 degC (86 F).

It concerns me as I am doing atrip to the northern part of South Africa in December where the temparatures reach 45 deg C (113 F), and I will be packed with all my camping gear and Fuel containers. Anybody with some advice? It would be appreciated.

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

Re: Prado VX 3.0 TDI 2002 Overheating

Sounds like restricted flow somewhere. Not really overheating, but something worth fixing nonetheless.

Have you checked the thermostat?

Michael

[Dieselman Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dieselman]

Re: Prado VX 3.0 TDI 2002 Overheating

Have you checked the thermostat?

Michael

Or the fan hub (fan should be roaring before the temp gauge moves)

Ben

[Nomad247 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Nomad247]

Re: Prado VX 3.0 TDI 2002 Overheating

I appreciate the advice, I will take it back to the dealers to sort out. It is very frustrating and keeps your eys fixated to the temperature guage. I do not want to loose the engine. Thanks again for the quick response.

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Re: Prado VX 3.0 TDI 2002 Overheating

Please also place your location in your profile.

[Nomad247 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Nomad247]

Re: Prado VX 3.0 TDI 2002 Overheating

Profile updated as requested... :wink:

[Nomad247 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Nomad247]

Re: Prado VX 3.0 TDI 2002 Overheating

Feedback:

We found the problem. It was a blockage in the radiator. I decided to replace it. I think it is just safer. Thanks for the advice, and spot on the money with your first diagnoses "photoprado". Enjoy the wide open spaces gents...!