1986 Town ace 2CT diesel overheat problem

**jkpaige3** · 05-01-2007, 05:04 PM

My Town ace import has only done 118,000kms (4wd auto). Just had the radiator removed and cleaned out at the radiator place, new 82 degress thermostat, new silicone gel in the clutch fan, system bled of air including rear heater, new drive belts. Brakes are not dragging. Radiator cap etc ok. Completely checked out. No leaks in cooling system. Coming home on very hot day (50kms) with air conditioner on still overheated and had to stop to cool down and turn of air conditioner. What could be the cause?

**BeRad** · 05-01-2007, 05:12 PM

does the clutch fan still have the shroud around it, if not the fan wont be doing a great deal and could be causing it, other than that im out of ideas....

**jkpaige3** · 05-01-2007, 06:40 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Shroud on the diesel is forward of the fan but it is where it is supposed to be and the radiator bloke says all is well. Just saw another site for Townies where the overheat problem seems to be a regular problem. One had an extra radiator put near the front bumper and that helped. Problem only occurs when the air con is switched on. Admittedly I was driving in 38 degress with a strong head wind. I guess the system just can't cope with that. No sign of leaks on mine and no water in the oil either so I assume head is okay. It runs well.

**aristo_newy** · 06-01-2007, 07:32 PM

What about adding a thermofan.
I also had this problem on a hilux diesel it wouldnt stop over heating and the radiator guys did a flush on it but they didnt remove a tank and clean the cores out with a rod. The other thing is how is your water pump?
i would still get the head co2 tested

**Robbos_Toyotas** · 06-01-2007, 07:52 PM

its not uncommon for older cars to overheat, its just part of the story i guess. My 5m crown used to get hot in traffic, and it had a new rad and was all good! Id add a 10" or larger fan to the frnot of the radiator controlled by a manual switch you can flick on/ off inside the van.
like aristo said, the water pump might be shagged....

**jkpaige3** · 11-01-2007, 01:32 PM

Thanks to all who took the trouble to reply to my 1986 4wd diesel overheating problem. Discovered the lower fan shroud is missing! Now that wasn't expected. I wonder where I can get one in Australia? Any help appreciated.
NOW A NEW PROBLEM HAS ARISEN - Last night was a hot one and about 2am I remembered I hadn't locked the garage so went to lock it and found the rear tail lights and left front parking light were on. Light switch was off. Disconnected the battery and went back to bed. Any ideas what could cause this new challenge? All help for thios great grandfather appreciated. Thanks and best wishes to all. John

**aristo_newy** · 13-01-2007, 10:30 AM

u are having lots of luck there is a guy up here in newy who prob have a fan shroud his name is rob and his number is 0421982944
The light problem will either be the relay for the parkers or the switch try a new relay if doesnt work u will need to put a new switch in or a after market rocket switch etc and it sounds like the RHF parker light is prob blown
good luck

**jkpaige3** · 13-01-2007, 09:28 PM

Thanks Aristo. That's a real help. I'll ring Rob tomorrow or Monday (as soon as I can in other words.) I'm looking at fitting an electric fan in front of the radiator with a manual switch as a boost also. Check out SPAL fans too (Italian I think) and available in Australia. (They say they can shift 24 cubic feet air a minute).
Light problem solved. I didn't know these have a European standard extra switch on top of the steering column (wondered what it was for) that is used for parking the car in the street at night. Turns on the rear lights and left side parking lamp only (globe wasn't blown on right side after all). Must have turned it on accidentally when I was fumbling around in the dark whilst camping. A local friend has an Isuzu truck with the same switch.
You are a good friend to have. Greatly appreciated!
God bless,
John