Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Bought a 2002 3.5 GDI V75W from Japan. Got it out today from the local garage where I made the computer scanning.
After driving it for about 30 min I have noticed the temperature gauge going up to max temperature. Then oscillating between max and middle...
The engine works normal but it shows 4.5 km / l !!
Also when start the cooling it gives a strange sound (like a fan propeller touching the frame ...)
The engine gets indeed very hot...
It looks like the radiator has got coolant inside.

What can this be and what do u advice me to do?
Please help! I planned the service in Nelspruit (250Km from Maputo) and don't know if I should take a chance to get to the dealer with the car in this state or try to do something in Maputo.
Look fwd to receive your comments.

Hi Senache,

I am not an expert in this field, but wouldn't drive 250km with a potential overheating problem.

I had a similar issue and it turned out to be a little pc board behind the instrument panel and my advice is as follows based on my experience.

My issue would arise as quickly as 4-5 minutes from startup in a stationary position. So start your Paj, let it run for 4-5 minutes from cold and watch the gauge.

Once you have run for this time and the gauge went into the red, it is possible you have the same issue, also check the water hoses, if the top hose is still cold on the radiator, you may have an issue with your thermostat, this pipe should warm up.

I have got the 3.5 gls 2001 model and assuming this is similar.

I would also check for signs of water in oil and oil in water as a precaution and check if the coolant bottle level is losing water, signs of a blown head gasket and loss of water.

Just to confirm, I would say keep it close I wouldn't drive 250km with a potential issue such as this.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

David

I would also suggest you consider getting the radiator flushed and rodded (a good clean out) have seen a few reports of the coolant gelling preventing proper flow through the unit itself and causing overheating.

Also good to do in any event, cooling is a critical component of any engine so I recommend it is always 100%. This wasn't the cause of my problem, but I know it is all perfect now it is all clear and working optimally.

Senache,

I agree with David, but something additional to consider:

Being a car direct from Japan, is it possible that the thermostat is set for a colder climate?

Roelf

Thanks a lot for your recommendations.
All of them make sense to me.
- Checked the gauge and determined is working. So the temp. sensor.
- Took the thermostat out and run the engine without it. I was so happy!!... the gauge remained frozen for about 1 hour driving throughout Maputo....
Then went again to max. and alternated between overheated and little below max. for about 20 km - the distance to the mechanic. He use to work for Mitsubishi dealer in Maputo.

Tested the cooling system and noticed the left hose (as you face the car) is cold and the right pipe is hot.

Then he said is the water pump...

He took out the radiator cap and while the engine running complete till full with water. 1-2 tiny bubbles come out. His diagnostic continued: one gasket needs replacement

35.000 Meticais (USD 1300) to replace the water pump, the two gaskets, new thermostat and time belt...
Asked him to flush the radiator too.

Fact is I did not pay full amount to the vendor. So I went back to him and agreed to discount this from the balance.

Now the car is with the mechanic in Maputo. He said it will be ready till Monday noon.

Questions:
1. I like the car. The engine is powerful, silent and computer scan gave no errors. Am I doing wrong getting stacked with this GDI?
2. Should I expect any side effects?
3. What do you think caused the pump malfunction (if any) and gasket damage?
4. I am preparing the family for a trip to Tofu (700km from Maputo). What precautions should I take?
Besides staying in touch with pajeroclub.co.za of course!...

Thanks all for your patience and undertsanding and look fwd for your feedback.

Hi Senache,

I am not an expert in this area, but just some other items to consider are as follows:

What is the mileage on your Pajero, the belts are typically changed every 100,000km's and when I had mine done with a general service it cost me around R5,500 (around 750USD)(not at the dealers) when I reached 100,000. I replaced Thermostat and got radiator rodded as well which cost around R1300, water pump I haven't changed yet so can't advise on the total cost.

In my opinion it is very weird that the top pipe does not get warm, mine gets warm after a few minutes and definately within 10 minutes, is this not a possile indication of a blocked radiator or water pump failure?

Are you losing any water?
Any sign of water in oil and vice versa (not a tell tale sign, but can be useful) Strange that it runs fine for an hour and then gets hot.
The strange noise you referred to in your first post, is that possibly coming from the water pump - they can make weird and wonderful noises when they are on their way out.

Hello Davidvan. Thanks.
The water pump plays the main role. That has become obvious after today visit to my new mechanic.

So,
What I liked the most was that he started by showing me what was the cause: WATER PUMP MALFUNCTION DUE TO LONG TIME PARKING and THEN THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN WITH AN OVERHEATED ENGINE.

NOTE: Garages usually send drivers to the border with Swaziland to fetch cars brought from Durban car terminals. These cars were previously imported from Japan and usually stand by for months.
Mine has been been brought on the 3-4th of November and sat in the sellers garage for a month without being cleared and what is more important, without number plates (so not driven in Moz at all). Just test drives maybe... I will come back to this aspect soon

The gasket (also attached) have been obviously compromised and released gas (not yet oil) in the radiator.
Anyways, the radiator will be flushed and thermostat changed.

Also T-belt.

I have been assured that all these things plus an additional fuel filter will be properly installed and basically the system will be as good as new with a warranty of 6 months.

Had to reach JHB on Monday with this car but trip postponed for Wednesday as mechanic promised I ll get the car out on Tue afternoon.

But I'll come back with final outcomes on Tue evening.

P.S. Fuel consumption very high (dashboard shows 4.5 km/l. How is this related with the above? Or do you thing is something else? What must be done?

Hello Davidvan,
The water pump plays the main role. That has become obvious after today visit to my new mechanic.

So,
What I liked the most was that he started by showing me what was the cause: WATER PUMP MALFUNCTION DUE TO LONG TIME PARKING and THEN THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN WITH AN OVERHEATED ENGINE.

NOTE: Garages usually send drivers to the border with Swaziland to fetch cars brought from Durban car terminals. These cars were previously imported from Japan and usually stand by for months.
Mine has been been brought on the 3-4th of November and sat in the sellers garage for a month without being cleared and what is more important, without number plates (so not driven in Moz at all). Just test drives maybe... I will come back to this aspect soon

The gasket (also attached) have been obviously compromised and released gas (not yet oil) in the radiator.
Anyways, the radiator will be flushed and thermostat changed.

Also T-belt.

I have been assured that all these things plus an additional fuel filter will be properly installed and basically the system will be as good as new with a warranty of 6 months.

Had to reach JHB on Monday with this car but trip postponed for Wednesday as mechanic promised I ll get the car out on Tue afternoon.

But I'll come back with final outcomes on Tue evening.

P.S. Fuel consumption very high (dashboard shows 4.5 km/l. How is this related with the above? Or do you thing is something else? What must be done?

Hello Guys.
Back as promised. But no car. Yet...
First yesterday morning was a blackout in Maputo. Then engineers had to repeat the heads skimming before gaskets installation to satisfy Jorge, the Mitsubishi expert.
I have been promised the car will be ready until tomorrow afternoon and some photos as well.

Will get back to you of course.

Got the car this evening.
Skimmed the heads and changed the gaskets, replaced the water pump, flushed the radiator.
On the way home the engine overheated again!!...

Has anyone have any idea on what it can be??
Please comment. It feels very frustrating...
Really don't know what to do at this point!