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This weekend, drove 400 miles no overheating. Couple spot measurements of 210-214 but consistently 187-190 deg F. Made sure coolant expansion tank was at proper levels with the green stuff. Now, I'm convinced intermittent overheating must be air bubbles trapped. I will try elevating the expansion tank, parking on incline, opening bleeder screw steam, etc to rid this pesky air bubble.
I have been having thermostat issues after a head gasket job. It is very possible that your thermostat is intermittently not opening.
I am sure someone else said it, but you should probably do a complete radiator flush. It looks like the system had Dexcool in it, but maybe that is just the pic.
There were two issues:
1. Needed new expansion tank cap. The old one had some distorted looking gaskets
2. There was a small leak front the throttle plate. I fixed this several times before. The little bolts ended up stripping threads in the throttle. I re-tapped it to take thicker 7/16" bolts. This formed a good tight seal for several years. Now the leak is returning again. May bypass altogether. I will try to re-tap and use longer bolts. What a crappy design.
After that, there should not be any more over-heating.
There were two issues:
1. Needed new expansion tank cap. The old one had some distorted looking gaskets
2. There was a small leak front the throttle plate. I fixed this several times before. The little bolts ended up stripping threads in the throttle. I re-tapped it to take thicker 7/16" bolts. This formed a good tight seal for several years. Now the leak is returning again. May bypass altogether. I will try to re-tap and use longer bolts. What a crappy design.
After that, there should not be any more over-heating.
For the TB heater plate, I resurfaced mine with 220 then 400. Using large squares, sanding it forward back and turning 90 degrees. Took some time, but I ended up with a much flatter and better surface.
I then used permatex aviation gasket sealant, and am hoping that it lasts a long time. Last fix lasted a few years.
also, avoid the Britpart kit, the gasket is a pain in the neck. The holes aren’t big enough for the screws and it takes the loctite off the bolts.
For the TB heater plate, I resurfaced mine with 220 then 400. Using large squares, sanding it forward back and turning 90 degrees. Took some time, but I ended up with a much flatter and better surface.
I then used permatex aviation gasket sealant, and am hoping that it lasts a long time. Last fix lasted a few years.
also, avoid the Britpart kit, the gasket is a pain in the neck. The holes aren’t big enough for the screws and it takes the loctite off the bolts.
2013 when I did the head gaskets.
The secret to sealants working is having the metal surfaces super clean. I always wipe with brakekleen and a clean towel, rag. If you notice the sealant not sticking you may have to clean it again. When I rub the sealant with my finger it attaches to the metal or gasket, just a thin coating. Quickly assemble and bolt tight, wipe any excess.
When I do an oil pan I do the same thing except, I wipe sealant along the inside ridge of the gasket.
I used to use vaseline and wipe all my gaskets with it. It would allow the gasket to be reused. Worked well but sometimes you have trouble sealing.
Leaky throttle heater plate has been on my annual maintenance list since I started owning my Disco 2.
This weekend, I did something to make this problem go away forever...(hopefully)
1. Retapped throttle body for 8 x 1.25mm bolts
2. Filed throttle body heater plate to accommodate larger bolts.
3. Blue RTV
4. New DIY gasket
5. Torqued 15-20 ft-lbs
I have been having thermostat issues after a head gasket job. It is very possible that your thermostat is intermittently not opening.
I am sure someone else said it, but you should probably do a complete radiator flush. It looks like the system had Dexcool in it, but maybe that is just the pic.
X1 ................... agreed. That or the HG has taken a powder. Start with the stat, it's easier and cheaper.
IMHO always start with the easy remedies and then if that doesn't succeed then dig deeper. Many times the problems are so simple it's amazing but the mega remedies are usually far harder to rectify.
Only do one remedy at a time otherwise you'll never know what was wrong and why.
