[Goldmember]

Hi ALL

I'm posting this as some may be interested.

My Paj suddenly started getting very hot on Friday, luckily I made it home with being able to keep the speed to a decent amount so that the temp via airflow didn't rise to high.

I ruled out the following:

1. Once engine had cooled, I tested the thermostat (which is only 9 months old) - open radiator run engine, hand on pipe---wait for bubbles and for pipe to get hot. TICK - all OK.

2. The above also meant that the water pump was fine.

3. Heat sender unit is also only 9 months old - so TICK (assumed OK)

4. CCT board in dash is 9 months old - so TICK (assumed OK)

5. The PAJ took 4 litres of coolant!

6. As a matter of course while I stood there watching the thermostat do its work I took the overflow outlet pipe of the reservoir and blew threw it to check for blockage - no blockage - nice bubbles at top of radiator.

7. No 'milky' coloured oil. Doubted that anyway due to the integrity of the engine, and my driving style 2-3000RPM. TICK

8. I felt very nervous but after some GOOGLING, I discovered a post where initially there was a doom and gloom answer about the engine being toast, followed by a logical response which told the doom and gloomer where to go - the answer, said the post - was simple: Buy a new radiator cap. (R114 later)

HEY PRESTO - problem solved.

The radiator cap works as a 'thermostat' on it's own - he contracts and expands allowing coolant to flow between the reservoir and the radiator depending on heat/requirement.

Thought it may be of interest to anyone out there.

[CATS]

Excellent news !!

Glad you got it sorted. I seem to think member 4x4outhere has the same problem on his 2001 3.2Did, wonder if he ever changed the cap for a check? He is convinced it is a headgasket or crack in head as his engine is already standing at 330000km, but this might also be his problem!

CATS
PS - Also on 235 000km on mine.

[Goldmember]

Hi
Thanks, my PAJ now has 260,000 on the clock! Must update my profile!

I doubt he's got a cracked head unless he's driven the hell out of it!


I suppose it is possible, but just soooo unlikely given the engine's integrity and legend status amongst others in it's class!!

[rome_rod]

Hi ALL

I'm posting this as some may be interested.

My Paj suddenly started getting very hot on Friday, luckily I made it home with being able to keep the speed to a decent amount so that the temp via airflow didn't rise to high.

I ruled out the following:

1. Once engine had cooled, I tested the thermostat (which is only 9 months old) - open radiator run engine, hand on pipe---wait for bubbles and for pipe to get hot. TICK - all OK.

2. The above also meant that the water pump was fine.

3. Heat sender unit is also only 9 months old - so TICK (assumed OK)

4. CCT board in dash is 9 months old - so TICK (assumed OK)

5. The PAJ took 4 litres of coolant!

6. As a matter of course while I stood there watching the thermostat do its work I took the overflow outlet pipe of the reservoir and blew threw it to check for blockage - no blockage - nice bubbles at top of radiator.

7. No 'milky' coloured oil. Doubted that anyway due to the integrity of the engine, and my driving style 2-3000RPM. TICK

8. I felt very nervous but after some GOOGLING, I discovered a post where initially there was a doom and gloom answer about the engine being toast, followed by a logical response which told the doom and gloomer where to go - the answer, said the post - was simple: Buy a new radiator cap. (R114 later)

HEY PRESTO - problem solved.

The radiator cap works as a 'thermostat' on it's own - he contracts and expands allowing coolant to flow between the reservoir and the radiator depending on heat/requirement.

Thought it may be of interest to anyone out there.

Props to you for being meticulous. To be honest, I was a bit concerned as I going though the list. I kept thinking, "if it's not that, what is it then?" It is a good thing that you narrowed it down and sorted out the problem. I did not think the solution would be that simple.

[Goldmember]

Hi everyone

I needed to update this post as unfortunately my wonderful 'radiator' cap 'hey presto' fix didn't solve the problem!!

It was 100% better for nearly two days after the post when suddenly the temp went from normal to nearly touching red in 30 seconds, whilst sitting in slow moving traffic- after mounting the kerb - I let everything cool down.

Symptoms:
1. Coolant spraying out the bottom

(easy - I guess there's a problem here? )

I had to laugh as this was very strange indeed - as I had stood and crawled, whilst the motor was running and under pressure, and listened all over and under the vehicle - no hissing or water drops for those two days.

Anyway, long story short it turned out to be a tiny little 't-piece' obtainable from Mitsu for R75 odd rand. Right underneath the engine. I had all three t-pieces changed. (and now, unlikely as it would be to have another repeat - have two in my cubby)

I advise anyone who's Paj is over 200,000 clicks to get your 't-pieces' looked at. I had previously had all the pipes investigated, but I suppose they missed these. They may also have been damaged somewhere?

I'm pleased I changed the radiator cap anyway as mine was entirely in need of replacement!

kind regards all!

[AltenWahl]

Hi

I had exactly the same problem last weekend. For the past three weeks i also noticed the Pajero loosing water. I could not find any leaks and the oil/water colour looked normal. Decided to do a coolent system flush and replaced the thermostat and radiator cap. After this it seemed fine, until the on my way back home after the long weekend...

While sitting waiting in the traffic/roadworks on the N2 i heard a hissing sound under the car. It was coming from one of the Heater pipe T pieces! When i touched it, it blowed it apart completely! I managed to block off the heater pipe and join the other 2 pipes coming from the motor and get home in one piece. What was left of the t piece a could break between my fingers.

I would strongly advise others with high mileage to replace these as preventative maintanance. My Pajero has now done 238000k.

[4x4 Outthere]

Hi Cats
Jip I did change the cap. Unfortunately my story did not have the happy ending......No T-piece that is leaking.
I eventually got another motor. Will collect tomorrow.
Question the one I got is a 2002 DiD and mine is a 2000. Will it be a straight fit?
I took the wiring loom and computer as well just for in case.

[4ePikanini]

Hi Cats
Jip I did change the cap. Unfortunately my story did not have the happy ending......No T-piece that is leaking.
I eventually got another motor. Will collect tomorrow.
Question the one I got is a 2002 DiD and mine is a 2000. Will it be a straight fit?
I took the wiring loom and computer as well just for in case.

Have a quick look at the diesel pump connectors and fuel rail as those are the main differences between different 4m40 motors.

[JohanV]

Where do these T-piece connectors sit?

i might have the same problem as this morning before i left for work i had to fill up the reservoir tank as it was bone dry and i have to do this at least once a week?

cant see any noticeable leaks from under the car or after i completed a trip.

i have changed the radiator cap about 4weeks ago.
New thermostat and heat sensor also three weeks ago.

some times it seems that the surge tank is more full than what i have put into it.

Edit: and the oil level is fine and cant see any fluids other than oil on the dip stick

[AndreBenson]

This is just my 2c....

My old 1997 3.5 was blowing pipe after pipe with nothing indicating why it did it until I had the radiator flushed, this was severely blocked. Hence my response, there might be another reason for these little parts failing....