I need help...I recently purchased a 2002 Disco with 149k miles. I got a great deal ( or I thought I did) at $1500 and immediately sent it to the shop to fix the ABS modulator. Now I have it home and have been dealing with an overheating issue. I have replaced the water pump, tstat, radiator and most hoses. The truck has signs of overheating issues in the past as the heater core bypass has been done. I have bleed the system as per instructions and within 10 min of idle the truck is at 215!!! Also replaced the viscous fan and the electric fan kicks on at about 215.

I am at a loss as to what could be wrong....any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

While 215 is hot it does not qualify as overheating.

Some thermostats allow temps up to 220 at idle.

What stat did you install (brand and opening temp) and did you test it?

Who's instructions did you follow to bleed the cooling system? The one that involves doing the bleed when the engine is cold and the overflow tank is elevated above the bleed screw? If so, sometimes with that much new stuff you may have to run it with the heat on and repeat the bleed process a few times to get all the air out. Is the heater core still bypassed?

And not to worry, your mind should tighten back up on its own, unless of course you like it loose... :-)

 

Also, how are the head gaskets?

 

I followed the bleeding instructions on the forum. Bleed cold with expansion tank raised and turned engine on and continued to bleed air. Etc. with in 10 min as engine warmed I went over 215. I have a new motorad 180 tstat which I verified works by pouring hot water through it.

Head gasket was done 10k miles ago by previous owner.

 

I'd suggest you bleed again next time the engine is stone cold, and this time close the bleed screw and replace the overflow tank before starting it.

Is your heater core in or out of the system?

I would wonder why the heater core is bypassed if it is.

 

Ok. I will try it again as suggested. Thanks and lets hope it works.

Heater core is still bypassed as I figured I wanted to isolate this issue before checking that one out.

 

Previous owner could have bypassed the heater core for a multiple of Reasons. But the Heater Core is part of the cooling system and however minimal can help reduce the temps.

At 215 with your A/C off does your electric fan kick on?

 

If the vehicle is stationary, you would expect it to regulate at the cut-in temp of the electric fan, not the thermostat opening temp
If you want it to run cooler stationary, an electric fan switch which cuts in at a lower temp is needed.

 

First you do not bleed while running your engine. You should re-connect your heater core as well. My guess is especially with all you have replaced is that you are far from being bled. You need to get that straightened out. the other thing you can do is a pressure test. after that run a exhaust gas test. If you pass these your engine is not an anchor.

 

How long should it take to get the air out and do I really just keep running radiator fluid thru it( when off and stone cold)? Then seal it up. Run it, turn it off let it cool a bit and bleed it again...this is a PITA. I have used almost 3 gal of green coolant.

What temp should I expect...I will hook up the heater core tomorrow.