ADVICE RRC 200Tdi

[propes]

Hi, got a possible heating problem on the 200 tdi. After a no problem run up the M54 to the cosford airshow yesterday on the return home the temperature gauge rose on the motorway above the normal half way to quite near the red whilst doing 75ish mph. Today i took the thermostat out,ran round the town and up to craddocks on a steady run and the gauge read just under the normal. On the way home i jumped back on the motorway and hey presto! temperature rose again,eliminating the cheap option of a stuck thermostat. Question is what do you reckon 1. blocked radiator 2. water pump(no leaks or noises) or maybe duff viscous fan. Hoses are okay no signs of high pressure from blown head gasket so do you think back flushing the radiator(which is past its best!) might do the job.

[bogie]

most 200tdi s dont need a fan 2 keep call,so i would go for the rad mate,always an investment.

[propes]

Radiator is my guess but wanted to run it past the forum. Even when the heater hose leaked the temp gauge never moved and have heard 200 tdis dont cook themselves. Just hope i can flush it clear. Thx for the reply.

[Range Rover Blues]

Try to make it happen again, then stickthe cab heater on flat out, see if that helps.  If it does then the rad is past it's best.  The current weather will test your cooling system though.

[Pete]

 Just a thought. 
 Could the bottom half of the rad be blocked with dried mud?
 Had the same problem on leaving a local P&P, it took ages to get the stuff out of the rad fins, but once cleared, problem solved.
 Pete

[propes]

Looks like most of the cooling fins have rotted away at the bottom,was'nt the best when i bought the car,it looks like if radflush and a good back flush does'nt do the job its a case of bite the bullet and buy a new radiator. Might as well give the intercooler a service while im at it,whats the best product for washing the internals out?

[squaddie_fox]

fairy liquid, a hosepipe and a hair dryer or air hose.

[ChrisV8]

I would go for a new rad needed, mine runs nice and cool only needs the leccy fan if climbing up a steep greenlane otherwise no issues at all even towing big trailer with vehicle on. I put a new one in when I put the engine in as the old one looked well past it's best.

[propes]

Yeah think new one is the way to go,its just affording it at the mo :doh:

[bogie]

all the fins have fell outa my rad and my 200 never gets hot!

[propes]

Might be a case of unblocking it then,i'll give it a bash the weekend and let you know.

[trecfive]

Cheap cola to unblock the internals of the water rad(4 litres)will fill it up,leave it over night,wash out with a hose,job done.