I have a 1988 Nissan Ute with 2.3 TD diesel motor. Runs very well and very reliable, but I notice that the temp guage reads a bit higher than I would have thought normal. After about 10 kms running the guage will be about three quarters of the way on from cold, but not into the "hot" section. If I drive up a long , steep hill, the guage goes very close to "hot", so I ease off. It will cool a bit going down hill, but climbs if I drive abit harder and faster. Coolant level is correct and antifreeze fresh. It doesn't use any coolant, or oil, and I don't push it 'til it boils.The radiator is not blocked with dead bugs or mud. This being my first diesel vehicle, I'm not sure if this is common or a sign that somethings not right. Should I get the radiator flushed! Or do you think the thermostat is sticking! Any advice or help would be gratefully received
praxxis,
Nov 20, 9:43pm
Damn ! Spelt "diesel" wrong in the heading and can't find how to change it.
NZTools,
Nov 20, 9:51pm
The cores of the radiator will be blocked. Take it out and drop it off at your local radiator shop, and get them to remove the tanks and rod the cores out. Dont waste your time trying to flush it. That is like trying to wash plaque off your teeth with water.
elvis58,
Nov 20, 9:51pm
Getting the radiator flushed would be a good move, from what you'vesaid it seems the most likely.
skin1235,
Nov 20, 11:31pm
winter is over at last, but now all the blocked radiators, partially working thermostats, and knackered radiator caps are rearing their ugly heads suggest a rad clean as NZtools suggests - don't waste your time or money with a home flush job, and don't get the local workshop to do it ( $200 minimum and it's not a lot more for a recore at the radiator shop, less for a tanks off and wire out the tubes), a $25 thermostat and a $16 rad cap, and it's good for another 10 years
mugenb20b,
Nov 21, 12:35am
.AND check the viscous coupling fan if it's got one.
skin1235,
Nov 21, 12:48am
yes they do have one, and a dam good suggestion ( how did I miss that!, lol)
praxxis,
Mar 27, 12:17pm
Great advice everyone. I'll do just that. Go to a radiator specialist. I wonder though, still, in a vehicle that has been regularly serviced by the previous owner, what is it that blocks up a radiator core. The fluid itself has always looked clean and green. Also, perhaps someone might attempt to explain where on the temperature guage the needle should sit in a normally operating diesel vehicle. I'd have thought, somewhere before halfway, between cold and hot. Mine has been operating above halfway on longer trips, so I've always eased off going up hill.
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