1995 Discovery, 3.9, automatic transmission. 186,000

6 months ago I overheated while out in the desert. I changed the thermostat and it was relatively fine on the surface streets. it would still overheat while off-roading. At one point I overheated 6 miles out in the desert. Needless to say, I warped the heads driving it out of the desert. I rebuilt the top end of the engine. Sent the heads out for milling and re-building. I got it all back together and it runs incredibly smooth and quiet. The problem is this....sometimes when I come to a stop the engine stalls. It starts right back up and is fine. It did not do this before I did the rebuild.

On a side note: does the discovery really need the rover thermostat with the sleeve on it or will one with the correct temp rating work? I had to remove the one I replaced as it was overheating with it in. It does not overheat without a stat in.

 

u can use $10 stat in a D1 - nothing special, I run a 180F stat, 180-183 at 60 mph 92F outside. If u run with no stat, about 145 - 155, and u will have low mpg

 

Your radiator is clogged.
I run a 195*F t-stat from AutoZone.
If it now stalls after the work was done then either you have a vacuum leak or the IACV is bad/not hooked up.

 

Thank you both. I will pull the radiator and send it out. She overheated with the new stat in but is fine when i took it out. i did find a vacuum leak that solved my stalling problem....again, Thank you.

 

In my farming area, an indy rad shop will hot tank flush the radiator, plus unsolder a side tank and rod out the calcium. Cost me $75 last time. Look for small places that do ag and construction gear, a Rover radiator is a teacup to them.

 

Just to let you know, I pulled the radiator yesterday and almost half of the fins were packed solid with dirt and bird feathers. I think I can safely say this is the cause of my overheating problem.

Again, thank you for the help.
Adrianus

 

You gotta watch out for those road runners !

 

That's pretty hot.
Land Rover specs fully open at 88C, which is 190F. All the domestic 190's I've tested start opening at 190. That's why I run a 180.

 

I just put a 195 in mine and it hovers around 194-195. This highest it normally gets is <208. Thermostats may vary by manufacturer though.

 

When the last time you cleaned the stepper motor?

When driving in the dusty conditions in NM I find it gets dirty fast.