T

TheHulk

New Member
Hi all

I have a problem with my P38 4.0 overheating.

Initially I was driving along and the temp gage shot up into the red, pulled over and water leaking everywhere.
Once home and engine cooled I did lots of research and replaced the thermostat, the pipes and put new clips on.
Engine still overheated.
Bled and burped the radiator making sure it was full.
All was going well with the temp gage staying in the middle where it always has been, then after about 15 mins the top pipe expanded a lot and forced water out through the end so I turned off the engine and am now waiting for it to cool again.

Pic below:

p38 pipe.jpg

Anyone know what could be causing this?

Many thanks
 
Agree with the above.....could be worth doing a coolant 'Sniffer' test for exhaust gases
 
Cheers for the replies

I have done the sniff test with no noticeable smell.

Just been out and started it up, the viscous fans are not moving. Shut it down and tried to turn them by hand and they both spin freely.....does that mean they are bust?
 
TheHulk said:
I have done the sniff test with no noticeable smell.

Just been out and started it up, the viscous fans are not moving. Shut it down and tried to turn them by hand and they both spin freely.....does that mean they are bust?
Click to expand...

The 'sniff test' isn't what it sounds like - it means using a device that measures hydrocarbons in the steam, rather that seeing what it smells like!

Secondly, I think you are talking about the electric fans. There is only one viscous fan, and it sits between the rad and the engine. Do you have one of those?
 
Viscous fan is the big fan between the engine & radiator, sounds like your looking at the 2 air con fans in front of the air con condenser (behind the grille).
 
Bladerunner919 said:
The 'sniff test' isn't what it sounds like - it means using a device that measures hydrocarbons in the steam, rather that seeing what it smells like!

Secondly, I think you are talking about the electric fans. There is only one viscous fan, and it sits between the rad and the engine. Do you have one of those?
Click to expand...

Beat me to it ;)
 
Ah right my bad! In that case the viscous fan is going all the time the engine is on, provides a lovely cool breeze whilst working on the car lol.

Must be the air con fans that I was looking at.

D'oh!
 
TheHulk said:
Ah right my bad! In that case the viscous fan is going all the time the engine is on, provides a lovely cool breeze whilst working on the car lol.
Click to expand...

The fan may be turning, but that doesn't mean it's working correctly. It'll always spin a bit just because of friction in the viscous coupling, but that doesn't mean it's 'locking up' properly when the temp rises.
 
Get the engine up to full working temperature, minding your fingers, shove a tightly rolled newspaper into the fan blades, if the fan stops it's fecked.
 
Bladerunner919 said:
The fan may be turning, but that doesn't mean it's working correctly. It'll always spin a bit just because of friction in the viscous coupling, but that doesn't mean it's 'locking up' properly when the temp rises.
Click to expand...

What's the best way to test if the fan is locking up properly?
 
Certainly sounds like it's over pressurising which would indicate something getting in from somewhere it shouldn't. Cooling systems should generally be considered 'closed loop'. Agree with all the above - hydrocarbon test of the coolant and a check to see if you've got some immaculate plugs anywhere.

What's the mileage?

Also, at risk of sounding like the worst kind of hi viz warrior, be careful working on the car with the engine running! I've got way too many farming mates missing 'bits' from working around moving parts!

Hope you get a resolution.
 
Datatek said:
Get the engine up to full working temperature, minding your fingers, shove a tightly rolled newspaper into the fan blades, if the fan stops it's fecked.
Click to expand...

Cheers, I posted at the same time as you! Just gone and done this and now have a lovely shredded newspaper....so guess the fan is working ok.
 
TheHulk said:
Cheers, I posted at the same time as you! Just gone and done this and now have a lovely shredded newspaper....so guess the fan is working ok.
Click to expand...
Sounds like the fan is not your problem. Silted RAD, water pump or your new stat would be my next things to look at. Lots of duff stats on the market, should always be tested in boiling water before fitting.
 
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