Mixed opinions on Range rover problem.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ashman · #1 05-06-2002, 10:28 PM

A So-called british car specialist looked att he overheating problem on the range rover. He claims its a cracked block.

I had him run a block test, and the fluid did not change to yellow as he stated it should if there was exhaust gas in the coolant.

I then took it to our trusted independent who does work on my brothers range rover all the time, and we ran the test 6 times, and the fluid did not change color to yellow.

He believes as do I that the radiator is clogged up.

I am pulling the radiator to have it rebuilt. If that doesn't cure the problem, then I will suspect a problem with the block.

There is no coolant smell coming fromt he exhaust, and no exhaust odor in the coolant tank.

The cooling system just has too much pressure. I suspect that a clog in the radiator is forcing the waterpump to pump harder to get the water flwoing.

BTW, I drove the car all day today, and it did not run past halfway on the temp gauge. I even had the temp read with a temperature measuring gun, and it topped at 150 degrees F. this is not very hot, and in conversion I believe is around 80-90 degrees C.

We tested temp all over the engine and radiator, and we found nothing over 150 at all.

The british specialist probably makes most of his living, pulling good engines claiming they are bad, selling a used engine to the unsuspecting owner, then selling their engine to some other unsuspecting owner. They claimed we replace several of these engines a month.

Now they did have a car with a cracked block, a defender 90 with 54k ont he odo and a cracked block. I watched them do the block test on it, and the fluid turned yellow almost instantly.

We tested at the other mechanic and let the fluid sit there for 10 minutes without a color change.

I'll let you all know what the radiator shop finds.

I'm going to flush the block once the radiator is out.

I may even put in a transmission oil cooler too just for safety. They arent expensive and should be good for the car.

My father just looked at a 97 Range Roiver 4.6 HSE with 98k on it, the car is 100% perfect in every way and needs onlya few minor things that will be covered by the owner of the vehicle as he still has a warranty on the car for another 3k.

If all goes well, my dad will have a 4.6 HSe in his stable.

Alon

Ashman · #2 05-06-2002, 11:27 PM

ok radiator is out. The radiator also cools the tranny and oil. I am going to do a modification tot he cars cooling system, by adding a transmission oil cooler and an oil cooler for the oil.

On top of that I'm having the radiator rebuilt.

I am also going to pull the plugs and check to see if any coolant is in the cylynders, which I feel is unlikely.

Perhaps the head gasket needs to be done, but the car uses no oil or coolant at all. It only loses coolant when you depressurise the system, by loosening the cap.

At least it will only cost $1200 to do the gasket if it is needed.

I'll keep you all posted. I am hoping that it is just the radiator. if it is the block, then the other place was right, if it isn't, I feel I would enjoy driving down there and shoving the results in their face, just to show them that while the block may be a common problem according to them, that it is not always the case.

Alon

pentoman · #3 05-07-2002, 05:33 AM

Those Rover V8s are pretty tough (and pretty old)..

Russ

rainmaker · #4 05-07-2002, 01:32 PM

Just got one of those myself! It's a late 97 with 7k miles on it. The previous owner wasn't using it much cause he'd get so many stares. It's a Vitesse with a yellow paint job. The interior is black with yellow piping as well.

I got it despite all the warnings I've received...Dad has two of em... a 96 4.0 SE with 4K miles (parked mainly in the beach house so it sees very little use) and a 97 4.6 HSE with 16k miles...and it doesn't cost as much to maintain as people would have you think.

The trick with these Range Rovers is (and I can't stress this point enough) religious and preventive maintenance. In my experience, the more you use the car, the less problems it develops (we were extremely luck with the 4.0). What you should look out for are the front air springs (the minute the car loses ride height when parked, have the air springs checked right away...they're $125 a piece, should last two to four years...but if you neglect them, it will ruin the valve block--which controls the air springs--and it costs $1000!) The exhaust can be a problem as well. It tends to rust right before the rear muffler as the tires tend to kick up water on them.

I'm lucky I guess cause my mech (an ex-marine) came from CA where he used to work for British Motors or something like that. He does home service, charges $50 an hour on 0.1 hour increments and doesn't seem to make a much of a profit on parts (I get em from him at cost plus freight and they're always cheaper than getting them from the local dealer or from US dealers even!)

They're a hoot to drive, look really classy, engine and tranny will take a beating, and it'll take you anywhere (almost). And the women love it when you put it into access mode so they can get on and off easier.

For lotsa info on these, check out RPI Engineering at www.rpiv8.com. Great site...and lots of mods available for the Range Rovers.

Good luck. Oh, and I'm willing to bet it's just a clogged radiator vs. a bad block.

Cheers!

Ashman · #5 05-07-2002, 03:16 PM

We are getting the radiator recored.

I too don't believe its the block either.

The local radiator shop took one look at it and said this radiator is shot.

So I'm going to have it recored.

I see you have a lot of rovers in the family. my dad is looking to buy a 97 4.6HSE or a 96 4.0SE

Alon

rainmaker · #6 05-07-2002, 11:46 PM

...you might want to look at the later model Range Rovers. I'm not sure what year they started using Bosch engine management systems but according to my tech, they put out a bit more power and are a bit more modern. This was done when BMW took over Land Rover...maybe around 99 or 00.

#7 05-08-2002, 08:48 AM

Who'd ever think that BMW and Land Rover would be in the same sentence.....tragic really.

DO you guys get Rover cars in the states, as well at the Jeeps?

Ashman · #8 05-08-2002, 12:10 PM

we used to get some of the more English only brands, but now its just prmarily Rolls Royce and bentley, Land ROver, and Mini cooper.

I know they used to import Sterlings and such back int he day.

Alon

CarolinaMBZ · #9 05-08-2002, 01:19 PM

I have 2 89 Range Rovers and recently had to remove and have a radiator shop clean one the radiators due to restrictions. No problems since.

Good Luck.

(Didn't know if the one at issue was a classic though so may not be applicable)

Ashman · #10 05-08-2002, 02:09 PM

After reading up on www.rpiv8.com About overheating, I am convinced the radiator and entire cooling system needs to be looked at. Radiator is being recored. and afterwards, I'm going to try to make sure there is no air trapped inside the heater core etc.

I'll keep you posted. Radiator should be done tomorrow.

Alon

Johnson Chan · #11 07-28-2008, 12:14 AM

I know this is a super old thread, but did it turn out to be a clogged radiator or cracked block? Did you take it back up to the shop and show them they were wrong?

Just curious...

I am considering getting a cheap Rover to get around in the snow. Here in the midwest, it snows periodically, if it runs 30 days out of a year, Id be happy.