First post!
(Sorry - realise should have posted in tech. Moderator pls feel free to move if you can!)
Hi All. Very happy new member - a quick browse through old posts answered a number of my most obvious queries, so eg I am now not worrying too much about my red water temp warning light being on cos I gather that is probably bad connections. Will try to improve them when I have been able to remove the various coolant hoses blocking access to the temp sensor.
But I still have some mysteries you guys might be able to help me with.
I have a 1986 Series 1 R5GTT, pretty much entirely original. Turbo boost never tweaked etc. Have owned since 1990, much loved but shamefully neglected in last 10 yrs.
Main issue is cooling - temp slowly creeps up so I have to switch off above 3rd line (ie 2/3 of total on gauge). I suspect my main issue is bleeding but may be others.
My rad fan switch needs replacing, but I have bypassed so fan always runs for now.
I've used radflush and nothing alarming came out. Tiny bit of scum in expansion tank but I doubt enough to indicate gasket probs.
Rad does get hot (fairly evenly I think) so coolant is being circulated after a fashion at least.
Expansion is through-flow type with water cooled turbo i think (looks like Fig 12.13 in Haynes manual).
2 main odd things are -
1) top rad hose bleed nipple does not seem to bleed anything, even when engine is warm (and stat is open) or if I lift expansion tank. Other 2 bleed nipples on smaller coolant pipes above pump bleed nicely.
2) I don't seem to be getting any flow into the expansion tank when engine is running, which I'm sure it used to. It flows in and out ok when filled or when engine is hot and fluid expands, but no apparent through flow from turbo
I did try removing stat at one point in case that was getting in the way (on basis that more rad cooling would be good) but since put back in, I noticed it doesn't have a bleed hole. I thought about drilling one as some have, but my drill bit wasn't up to it so I have left for now... Did observe on refitting that top hose staying lukewarm at first then it and rad got decently hot around 2nd line (ie 1/3 of max) on gauge, so I think it is opening OK with temp.
Does the above make sense to anyone? Maybe top hose bleed nipple is somehow blocked? (If so, can it be replaced without changing whole hose?) Can it really be that turbo coolant path is completely blocked, or could water pump not be pumping round one part of circuit?
Any thoughts much appreciated.