Hi, I am new to the Pajero world having just purchased my first. Its a used 2001 3.5 v6. I admit that due to circumstances I was buying blind and was prepared for the odd problem. I took delivery in Gauteng and drove it home to Hoedspruit. The temperature guage started acting like a yo yo, rising up to just before the red then dropping down, it would become stable but alot hotter ( about three quarters up) for a while then up and down once again. Not taking chances I ordered a new thermostat and water pump, figured I couldnt go wrong. However, the thermostat arrived and according to all sources its the correct unit yet its too small. I have a much larger unit in what looks like a standard casing. Can anyone advise on this? Does the 3.5 come with two different size casings and thermostats? If anyone is aware of this larger size, can you advise on where I get a replacement thermostat.
I really enjoy the car, I am a cautious new pajero owner as I have always been a bit pro Toyota. So far so good.
Hi Wayne,
Welcome to Pajero ownership.
I wish you many miles of smiles with your new beastie.
I can't comment on the thermostat size other than to say that there are such things as higher flow thermostats available in some places (have read on the aussie forum).
As far as the erratic temperature readings, there is a known issue with older Pajeros where component R10 on the electronic daughter board of the instrument panel cluster has a dry joint and causes the gauge to go haywire - it is fixable if you (or you have access to someone who) can solder smd components (small soldering iron and good eyesight!).
Hope you come right with this problem and it is something simple like this. You don't want to drive if the engine is really overheating - it could get very expensive.
Welcome to Pajero ownership.
I wish you many miles of smiles with your new beastie.
I can't comment on the thermostat size other than to say that there are such things as higher flow thermostats available in some places (have read on the aussie forum).
As far as the erratic temperature readings, there is a known issue with older Pajeros where component R10 on the electronic daughter board of the instrument panel cluster has a dry joint and causes the gauge to go haywire - it is fixable if you (or you have access to someone who) can solder smd components (small soldering iron and good eyesight!).
Hope you come right with this problem and it is something simple like this. You don't want to drive if the engine is really overheating - it could get very expensive.
Thanks Andrew. I put the thermostat into a pot of boiling water earlier and it seems to open perfectly and close when taken from the heat. I had read that the temp guage is problematic so I will look at that as well as perhaps having the whole cooling system bled. Thinking it could have some air in the system which could cause this to happen. Doesnt seem like its excessively hot. I shall persist. Thanks for your input.
Wayne
Welcome.
Does the increase in heat correspond to engine load, ie hotter when going uphill and cooling down on downhill or does it just jump randomly? If randomly it is sure to be the instrument cluster issue.
Maybe also have the radiator flushed and cleaned inside. Some antifreeze brands seem to gel the thin Pajero radiator up reducing cooling capability. Use only Mitsu brand and dont mix with other stuff.
Also have radiator place check for exhaust gas in radiator water which could indicate gasket on its way out.
Hope you sort it easily and please report back.
CATS
Welcome.
Does the increase in heat correspond to engine load, ie hotter when going uphill and cooling down on downhill or does it just jump randomly? If randomly it is sure to be the instrument cluster issue.
Maybe also have the radiator flushed and cleaned inside. Some antifreeze brands seem to gel the thin Pajero radiator up reducing cooling capability. Use only Mitsu brand and dont mix with other stuff.
Also have radiator place check for exhaust gas in radiator water which could indicate gasket on its way out.
Hope you sort it easily and please report back.
CATS
2009 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS (Gen4) - Casper (Starting to grow on me)
2001 Pajero 3.2 DiD Lwb GLS Manual (Gen3) - Snoopy (SOLD but not forgotten)
2008 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS Auto (Gen4) - Silvester (SOLD)
2001 Pajero 3.2 DiD Lwb GLS Manual (Gen3) - Snoopy (SOLD but not forgotten)
2008 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS Auto (Gen4) - Silvester (SOLD)