Please, please can anyone advise me - I am desperate! I have a 1993 (though sold as a 1995) Royal Lounge 2.0 Diesel and it was fine for about 18 months until, in the summer, it started overheating. The mechanic I have been using fitted a new rad cap and thought it needed a new head gasket; but on further investigation he found it needed a new head. I had to wait ages for him to source a second-hand one, then he came and fitted it and the very next day the van overheated yet again almost as soon as we got on the motorway. The tank was bubbling away and we got home by putting water straight into the radiator and going slowly. I phoned the mechanic immediately and have tried serveral times since then but he never answers - and never rings back. I am desperate to have my van back in working order, not just because I love it but I need it for things like taking my daughter and the contents of her room up and down the motorway to and from university. Unfortunately I haven't the skills to work on the van myself but would be very grateful if anyone can advise me as to what might be wrong when rad cap, head gasket and head have all been replaced (and the head was skimmed and pressure tested according to the mechanic); or, does anyone know of a garage or mechanic within striking distance of Hatfield (Hertfordshire)? Thank you so much if you can help.
Victoria

- (#14305) Victoria Fisher, 27 Nov 04 21:04

Can't help with a mechanic, but if you had all that done and it's still blowing coolant out (but only at speed) I'd say viscous coupling. If however you still get into a low water/ overheating situation after a number of days of driving gently, then that might indicate a tiny leak somewhere in the system causing air to get in.

You'll need the system pressure tested both hot and cold to confirm that it's airtight (and hope that the recent overheating hasn't cooked the head again...) and a run up the motorway with the engine cover up will let an observer verify that the fan is or isn't turning when you're at speed...

- (#14305) david miller, 28 Nov 04 01:56

If you still need some help go along to Redhouse Car Sales in London Road,Ware. It's on the south side of town. If you take the A414 straight through Hertford, passed Tescos, all the way to the end, at this small r/about,large pub on right,turn right and the garage is about 200 metres on the right. Speak to Carmine (the boss)he is somewhat of an expert on Japanese imports and his mechanic is first class too, no offense to our resident experts! I have just bought my second Townie from him and it is excellent.

Derrick

- (#14305) Derrick, 1 Dec 04 12:57

David and Derrick - thank you both so much for your advice, and am delighted to find that there is a garage in Ware, which I shall certainly use. I'm sorry not to have posted my thanks before - it's been a mad time at work! - but your help was very much appreciated. Am so looking forward to having a trouble-free townie once again!

Victoria

- (#14305) Victoria Fisher, 21 Dec 04 18:49