Tim's Mavtrol

[Dalmatian]

As some of you know, my truck got a little too hot on sunday (1/12/13).

What can i do to fix this issue?

[Dave]

Resisting comments like "buy a Toyota", could I ask if the problem was the radiator overheating?

If it happens regularly, I would guess it's time to get the radiator flushed, tested, or even replaced. Do you have an electric thermal fan attached? I assume you've checked water pump, etc?

[jonathan.viki]

Without knowing the exact symptoms, here is my list of things to check first:
* check water level on overflow and when cold check level in radiator. If either is low then you'll likely have a leak somewhere. Just checking the overflow is not always enough as it can sometimes be at the right level even when there is a leak. While you're looking, check the colour of the fluid, red or green is good, brown is bad and will need a flush.
* driving through mud all the time check radiator is not clogged, spray clean with a hose on lower pressure (don't use high pressure cleaner or brush etc). While you're there check the condition of the radiator too. Bad radiator = bad cooling but check some of the other things below first as replacing radiator is the most expensive.
* make sure your temp gauge is actually working - found mine was playing up and was a big challenge in diagnosing my overheating (the car was overheating sometimes but the temp gauge was useless in helping diagnosis)
* if you suspect a leak then go on a hunt to find it, look for signs in the engine bay like white marks on the engine block etc as leaked coolant when dry often goes a white colour. Also check rubber hoses and around where they connect to metal as these are the most likely spots.

Those are things you can do without too much effort. If you rule those things out then:
* check/replace thermostat, just google for instruction on how to
* assuming you're getting some level of cooling then it's not likely to be the pump, but you've probably exhausted every other option at this point. There are some checks you can run through to see if its a pump issue, some more reliable than others, best to google for instruction. Water pumps are also generally not too expensive/difficult to replace assuming you've got this far

Some other tips for an old car:
* be careful tightening rubber hose clamps especially the heater hoses. After many years the metal can get brittle and bend/break easily, this becomes a huge pain (trust me)

Thats about it. Probably need a bit more info about what is happening and/or when and the results of trying the few things at the top to get any more specific.

[Dalmatian]

Mud had blocked the fins completely! Ie had no air flow. I use a gerny quiet often on the radiator. Haven't had any issues with that. I won't be able to see if the problem is fixed until I go for a trip somewhere.

[jonathan.viki]

All good, sounds like that would be it if its not a persistent issue.

Yeah, just a case of being careful if you use pressure. Probably depends on the condition of your radiator too, mine was very brittle and needed gentle loving.

[Dalmatian]

So.... im thinking of buying a comp truck. Any pointers

[Capella_Ben]

To replace the Mavtrol or as a dedicated comp truck? I think any comp truck you get second hand will be well flogged, but should come with quite a few mods. I would not like the prospect of getting one registered.

[jonathan.viki]

Get a short wheel base GQ Patrol...

[Dalmatian]

so my high lift jack hit a tree on the weekend...

the bolts holding the jack into my roof racks are REALLY GOOD!!

Ripped the hole thing off. jack, cage, racks, light bar.... it all stayed together.

Tore a few big chunks out of my roof tho... ive found alot of rust!!

[Capella_Ben]

Awww, that's not good. Where is the photo?

How did you go with your brakes. Did you replace the caliper or just get another one for the Right side?