Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi

I have noticed that my 3.5 is using water and dont see any evidence of a leak anywhere!! so all i can think is this could cost me some bucks now!!. could it just be a head gasket or is the chances better for cylinder cracks?

the motor has 215k on but power seems ok to me, have not been able to compare with others. the oils is not murky, but does use oil, not much but it does sweat/leak from the tappet cover gaskets(also need to replace on next service)

I have posted a topic before about hearing water flowing in the pipes just after starting? and now think that either the thermostat is removed or stuck in a open position, cos if I open the radiator cap and start the Paj it seems the water starts flowing already, surley this is not normal?

Are there ways to check what the problem can be for water loss without stripping the head off?
have one or two other problems but will address one at a time.

Thanks
Gavin

Get to radiator shop and have a pressure test done to see if there is visible water leaks under pressure.

Does the overflow bottle get fuller after a drive or even overflow? Radiator pressure cap working.

Whistish oil on dipstick?

I am no expert whatsoever but follow on posts about all problems.

Hi Theuns

I will try get it pressure tested!.
No there is no water in oil from what i can see.
Think i will buy a new cap anyway, i see the overflow bottle cap does not work 100% and also drops its level?

Thanks for the reply

Gavin

Check your plumbing to the heater as a cracked pipe can do what you are describing. A thermostat and radiator cap are fairly cheap items to replace and can pay for themselves within a short time so it might be a good thing to replace them. If the thermostat is istuck in the open position it will take a lot longer to reach operating temp and during this time the computer will be feeding a rich mixture to the engine costing you in fuel. It is also important to keep the ratio of water to anti freeze as close if not higher than recomended as this protects the water pump and stops engine rust that will cause radiator blockages. Having a pressure test done might save you a lot of money in the long run

Thanks for the info thus far.

I am planing to do a complete service on the vehical soon and will then check everything.
just a few things i need to ask does doing a pressure test on the radiator only inform me whether there is a leak on radiator and/or pipes or will it also show signs of pressure loss through blown head gasket.
What makes me think head gasket is cos if the car stands for a day or 2 it will idle erratic for a few seconds after starting then come right, as if there was water in the cylinder that 1st needs to burn up

Also the tappet covers seems to be leaking oil on the outer sides near the rear. Am i right in saying that simply replacing both gaskets should fix this problem. I'm hoping this is the main reason i have the flashing light problem as everything is full of oil/dirt underneath (still need to go through the check list to confirm this)

Gav

Hi All

Ok an update on the motor, I have had the car pressure tested and it is confirmed that the head gasket(s) has gone

I have picked up new gaskets from the agents today and have started with the job, so if there are any wise tips or things i must look out for while in there please let me know.

Much appreciated!!

Gav

Take pictures as you are stripping (not of you, the motor ) this does help with reassembly. With the heads off it might be a good thing to have them checked out by an engineer to see that they are straight and true and while you are at it have the valves seen to as well. This might be a golden opportunity to replace your water pipes especially the ones going to the heater. Chances are that the motor has pressurised the system and this together with age are enough grounds for change

Remember that blown gaskets are often victims / results of a fault, not the cause.

Give the cooling system a proper "overhaul":

• radiator check and flush
• new Mitsu thermostat
• new Mitsu radiator cap
• check pipe between radiator cap and expansion bottle for leaks (vacuum as well as positive pressure)
• new coolant (water is a bad coolant!)
• check all hoses (remember the heater hoses!)

I would have taken the heads to a specialist for an "overhaul":

• strip
• clean
• re-seat valves
• replace valve stem seals
• check surface for warps

Chances are that you will never have the opportunity again.

Make sure about the timing belt and associated items (while you have the opportunity):

• new belt?
• tensioner
• belt pulleys
• water pump
• damper pulley bolt

I totally agree with 4ePajero's advice above. He said the same to me when I rebuilt my V6 - it cost me a whole lot more than what I anticipated but I'm glad I did as I haven't had a single hassle since the rebuild.

Ok Guys thanks for the info

My plans are to inspect, do the belt and pulleys, tensioner.

Will be replacing
All gaskets
thermostate
radiator cap
cap on expansion bottle is a bit warn so i gues that too!

want to take the head in to be checked.

will check hoses while all is open, what do i check for or just replace!

What is the best way to flush the system out?

Gav