Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: London
Posts: 60
Overheating Toyota Landcruiser

Our 1988 Landcruiser is overheating on long drives going over 100 km/h. it goes fine between 80 and 100 km/h. The local mechanic ]Morocco] suggests i take out the thermostat. We are heading into the desert so bit worried about overheating but also worried about taking out the thermostat:

Is this a good idea? Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 292
The thermostat could be the problem. Just take it out, and keep it with you. You can always put it back later. If the problem is not solved you have to fix the fan. Because the locking system, that works with a gel, is not working the fan often does not turn around fast enough. Fixing the fan is a simple job. Every mecanic can do it. I did it myself last time, and just put a lot of sand in the gel. It worked fine.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
thats the viscous coupling your talking about, they commonly fail on mechanical fans as fitted to TLC and landrovers. You can check this by wearing a heavy glove and trying to stop the fan rotating, but this is highly dangerous unless you know what you are doing!!! In a crisis I believe you can weld the fan up so it will always travel at engine speed, but check this with a mechanic first as I have never tried it. It is relatively simple to replace if you can find a spare or get one sent to you, they are not too big so could probably be sent fairly cheaply.

make sure your rad is fully operating, sometimes areas of it can be blocked by debris, try flushing it through with a proprietry cleaner and then reverse flush it, but have some radweld to hand as it may then start leaking from a hole that was previosly blocked!

ensure your rad is clean, no grass seeds or dead insects!! don't jetwash it clean as this can bend the fins.

make sure your cylinder head gasket is ok as if this has failed it can cause overheating, check for oil in the water and water in the oil (a white deposit around the filler cap and dipstick)

If you are really struggling for cooling wedge the bonnet open a couple of inches and then ratchet strap it down

I have found in soft sand that using low ratio helps drop the temp as you can run at lower revs due to the increased gear options you have. On firmer sand you will be wanting to travel at higher speeds than this allows. If you over heat then as soon as you reach firm ground turn into wind and open the bonnet. avoid switching the engine off (unles you are also overheating whe stationary) as this will heat sink the engine, but if the temperature continues to rise you will have to just cross your fingers and turn it off. If it boils wait until it has cooled down before adding water, or add hot water, as otherwise you could crack the head.
remove any obstructions to the airflow such as spotlights, and if necessary the radiator grill, but replace it when you are on the road as it protects your rad from damage from flying stones etc.

one of the cruisers (an H60)on a recent rip I did persistently overheated due to a blocked rad in the desert at 50C. It was regularly up in the red but the engine survived, they are a pretty tough unit but I wouldn't reccoment this as a course of action!! my own H60 never gets more than 1/4 way up the gauge in the UK and in the desert rarely got above 1/2 so if yours is overheating I think you have significantly reduced cooloing system efficiency

hope that helps,

Andy
TLC H60
101 Landie Ambie
1968 morris minor traveller
Author of Me dad and the Plymouth to Dakar
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Captain-Mog...3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Dec 2006
NCR NCR is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
Quote:
Originally Posted by waverider
The local mechanic ]Morocco] suggests i take out the thermostat. We are heading into the desert so bit worried about overheating but also worried about taking out the thermostat:

Is this a good idea? Thanks
Hi,

Yes!
Maybe the problem is in the thermostat (you can test it submerging it in hot water and seeing if it opens in the designated temperature - 90º???). If not, you will not miss it in the desert except in cold mornings when the engine will take a bit longer to warm up.
__________________
Regards,

NCR
Lisboa, Portugal
http://ncr2006.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: London
Posts: 60
thanks for your replies. i will take on your suggestions. I had a look at the manual _ covers all Land Cruisers from 1980 to 1990). it says; caution - never drive whithout the thermostat, are they being over cautious?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Dec 2006
NCR NCR is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
Quote:
Originally Posted by waverider
I had a look at the manual _ covers all Land Cruisers from 1980 to 1990). it says; caution - never drive whithout the thermostat, are they being over cautious?
Hi,

The thermostat ONLY function is to allow the engine to reach it's working temperature faster (it allows the cooling liquid to flow through the radiator only when it reaches a certain temperature). This "working temperature" is the temperature where engine wear is smaller.
If you don't have a thermostat that period will be longer and engine wear increased. In hot climates the thermostat is almost irrelevant as the engine will reach normal temperature very fast.
Just warm up the engine in the morning and forget about it until you return.
__________________
Regards,

NCR
Lisboa, Portugal
http://ncr2006.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Well, they are right. It's there for a purpose, so rather than removing it altogether it's reasonable to have it checked and replaced if it's found faulty. That is, if you have access to spare parts. If not, you could try removing it for a while to see what happens. You can't overheat the engine because of a missing thermostat.

A faulty thermostat makes the engine run too hot because it opens up too late or not at all.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Dec 2006
NCR NCR is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roman
Well, they are right. It's there for a purpose, so rather than removing it altogether it's reasonable to have it checked and replaced if it's found faulty. That is, if you have access to spare parts. If not, you could try removing it for a while to see what happens.
Now I'm curious...what do you think could happen, Roman?



PS: I believe this discussion should be here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...overland-tech/
__________________
Regards,

NCR
Lisboa, Portugal
http://ncr2006.blogspot.com/

Last edited by NCR; 21 Dec 2006 at 22:40.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCR
Hi,

The thermostat ONLY function is to allow the engine to reach it's working temperature faster (it allows the cooling liquid to flow through the radiator only when it reaches a certain temperature). This "working temperature" is the temperature where engine wear is smaller.
If you don't have a thermostat that period will be longer and engine wear increased. In hot climates the thermostat is almost irrelevant as the engine will reach normal temperature very fast.
Just warm up the engine in the morning and forget about it until you return.
If you are doing this use the hand throttle to get the revs to about 1000rpm to ensure the oil pump is correctly lubricating the engine, at tick over on many cars the oil pump is inefficient, don't know if this applies to landcruisers, someone else might, but I always do this if I am leaving the engine ticking over for a while to be on the safe side, just in your case make sure it doesn't overheat!!
As far as I am aware the only problems with removing the thermostat are as above, but the warning in the book was enough to persuade me not to do it, although we had the luxury of usually being able to drive round the problem so it wasn't too dire an emergency.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Smile don't worry too much

On arrival in Africa, we remove the thermostats as a matter of course - it's never led to any noticeable problems.

You want to have the engine 'up to speed' each morning, before you hit the dunes though. Try it with a cold engine and the lower power available is dramatic.

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 22 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Hello NCR,

It could unblock the passage of engine coolant (if the thermostat is faulty), but haven't you explained it yourself already?
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)

Last edited by Roman; 22 Dec 2006 at 08:52.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Dec 2006
NCR NCR is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roman
but haven't you explained it yourself already?
Hi Roman,

Yep, I believe I did.
I thought you were talking of consequences besides unblocking the passage of engine coolant.
__________________
Regards,

NCR
Lisboa, Portugal
http://ncr2006.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 22 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
Quote:
Originally Posted by waverider
thanks for your replies. i will take on your suggestions. I had a look at the manual _ covers all Land Cruisers from 1980 to 1990). it says; caution - never drive whithout the thermostat, are they being over cautious?
The reason it says that is in many cases the thermostat when open also slows down the water circulation and gives the water more time in the radiator to cool off. In therory taking out a thermostat could lead to overheating since the coolant does not have enough time to cool in the radiator before being recirculated. Saying all that I have puled out a thermostat before and never had a problem other than slow to warm up.
__________________
John
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 22 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Alt Penedes, Barcelona
Posts: 130
I just and only talk out of experience, but when we had serious overheating problems in very hot places in hard conditions, the problem has quite solved simply removing the thermostat. However, the old rad did not help to make things easy. In the other hand, an additional electric fan was very helpful, but hard on the alternator. We also changed the 20 -40 (or whattever it was) to straight 40, used by the locals.

As mention before, be very careful as serious overheating may shoot off your rad hoses anytime, spraying steam and very hot water, dangerous if the bonnet is open.

Good luck. And keep us inform, if you can.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 24 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Rutherford
On arrival in Africa, we remove the thermostats as a matter of course - it's never led to any noticeable problems.

You want to have the engine 'up to speed' each morning, before you hit the dunes though. Try it with a cold engine and the lower power available is dramatic.

Sam.
why? if your cooling system is in good order you shouldn't need to remove the thermostat, assuming it's a landy or 'cruiser. If it does overheat then is that either a cooling system or driver issue? the only time my 'cruiser got hot was in soft sand with an inexperienced driver. the other one had a bad radiator, but the skill of the other driver was able to work around the problem and the vehicle survived. That was in 50C. likewise there should be no need to fit extra fans to vehicles like these. if you feel the need then there are probably other issues (as above) which need to be addressed first.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wanted: Toyota Landcruiser in South Africa for overland trip Michiel Equipping the Overland Vehicle 0 10 May 2005 14:55
toyota landcruiser fully equipped for sale onraeto Equipping the Overland Vehicle 0 26 May 2004 01:30
toyota landcruiser for sale aaestrad@hotmail.com Equipping the Overland Vehicle 2 4 Aug 2003 17:29
Toyota Landcruiser for sale in Capetown aaestrad@hotmail.com TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 31 Jul 2003 17:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:11.