Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

I recently bought a 1999 3.0 (Petrol) SWB with only 150000 Km on the clock. Runs beautifully and looking forward to a lot of fun in "Pajero World".

Four questions to Pajero veterans please;

1 Was the timing belt/chain supposed to have been changed by now ? If so, how can one check if it was done by the previous owner?
2. The temperature gauge stays right down at cold except when its realy hot an driving hard when it goes up a bit. Engine never overheats though... Should I check the thermostat or could the gauge itself be faulty?
3.According to car handbook, the good old guzzler under the bonnet prefers Lead Replacement petrol and not unleaded.. should I stick to it?
4. Please recommend a workshop/mechanic who knows ( and loves) Pajeros.. in the Cape Town area.

Thanks guys!
jaykay

jaykay wrote:I recently bought a 1999 3.0 (Petrol) SWB with only 150000 Km on the clock. Runs beautifully and looking forward to a lot of fun in "Pajero World".

Four questions to Pajero veterans please;

1 Was the timing belt/chain supposed to have been changed by now ? If so, how can one check if it was done by the previous owner?
2. The temperature gauge stays right down at cold except when its realy hot an driving hard when it goes up a bit. Engine never overheats though... Should I check the thermostat or could the gauge itself be faulty?
3.According to car handbook, the good old guzzler under the bonnet prefers Lead Replacement petrol and not unleaded.. should I stick to it?
4. Please recommend a workshop/mechanic who knows ( and loves) Pajeros.. in the Cape Town area.

Thanks guys!
jaykay

1. If in doubt, replace it. It is a non-interference so it's not a train smash if it snaps but don't take the chance. Do the waterpump at the same time.
2. The gauge going up under hard conditions indicate that the thermostat is stuck open or missing. This increases wear on the engine. Get it sorted with genuine part only. Get a genuine radiator cap as well.
3. I am using LRP in my 3.0 v6 with 500ml 2-stroke per full tank of fuel mixed into the petrol. Works a treat.
4. SimonB might help here.

Welcome to the forum. Hope you enjoy it here.