This morning I replaced the original 195 T Stat with a land rover 185 T Stat.
Put all back together warmed it up with reservoir cap off. Bled it a couple of times, then tightened everything up.

Problem is temperatures are spiking to 217/220 while I am in the driveway trying to finish bleeding. Am afraid to drive it on road in case it way overheats.

Did I miss something while refilling or is it likely the T Stat is bad?

Andy

 

Make sure you have the hoses on correctly connected to the two top hose connections on the t-stat. Do you have the RAVE workshop manual to refer to?

 

I have the manual, the hoses are on correctly.
I have it elevated on ramps now in an effort to help get the air out...

I think it is either air-bound or the T Stat is non-functioning...

Any advice on how to prime it better if it is an air pocket?

 

Did you test the t-stat before you put it in? If you think you got all the air out, then I would take the t-stat out and put it in a pot of boiling water to make sure that it is fully opening.

Sometimes when there is air in the system, you can hear a gurggling behind the passenger side dash. What bleed procedure are you using?

 

I am making progress, I elevated the Rover on front ramps.
Got good heat in cabin, no gurgling sound from dash.
Feel confident for a short road trip. My used electric fan kicked on at 212 just now.
First that's run under my ownership.

 

new tstat may not help at all

i just did the rad
fan clutch

waiting for mt 180 degree tstat

engine gets too hot for cooling system design

 

Test drive okay, no more temp excursions. Saw from 190 to 200 for most part, need to bleed a little more air.

 

The stat design precludes an air pocket, it has holes and cavity ports, etc. Here's the plumbing chart.

 

Perhaps I was overly cautious... Just got back from a drive, never got over 197. Quite pleased.

 

That is pretty much what I see now as well. 194 on the highway, and 197-200 around town.