Hi guys,
My '98 Pajero 3.5 V6 started to overheat up to Three quarter on gauge, I pulled off. Checked the water in the bottle, but did not need water. Luckily I was only a kilometre from home and after it cooled down I drove home. It started to go over half, normal mark, as I got home. Left it till next morning to check. Found that the Radiator was empty, topped it up and drove around the day. Next morning I checked Radiator water and it was low, took about a One and a half Liter. Bought Radiator seal and poured it in. Road around next day and the morning it took very little water. Then I went on a ride, open road doing 120, after about 50 Kilometers I heard a krrrr sound. I slowed down and as I pulled off the engine died. The temperature gauge showed normal, but it was overheating blowing steam. Left it for about an half hour. Through water in but started to steam again, it sounded like the water was thrown into a bucket. Water was running into oil sump. I suspect the block is cracked? What do you guys think went wrong? Car have 338,000 Km on clock. What is the best option in the long run (3 Yrs) taking fuel economy in consideration and cost of following: 1) recondition engine, 2) replace with import Boston Jap engine, 3) replace with Lexus V8 engine? Your feedback would be highly appreciated.
