Hi, travelling to Alice from Sunshine Coast in Nissan Patrol GQ (1989), I had to turn back at Blackall because engine running too hot, (near the top of the temp gauge), so I turned round and drove back home slowly - a very slow drive home to keep the temperature down. - the heat climbs up steadily and is hard to bring down, I had to put on the heater from time to time to help cool the engine.

  • flushed the radiator with radiator flush and the water was very dirty, ( I last flushed it out about 4 months ago), and flushed again twice after it heated up.
  • I took out the thermostat can cut our the spring mechanism and put it back so that I don't get too much water going through the engine - still hot.
  • I noticed the clutch fan does not engage, - I replaced the clutch fan with brand new Clutch Fan which cost $190 - new fan does not engage either ????
  • I washed out the radiator with garden hose and put in fresh coolant, - the engine is still heating up,
  • took out the radiator, the grill / fins are in poor condition and crumbling, - but water flows freely through using garden hose pipe.
  • I last replaced the water pump about 5 years ago, - so expect this is still woking well?
  • I took off all the hoses and cleaned out all the crunchy bits that stick to sides, - I plan to replace all hoses next, but the current hoses are in good condition.


I don't know what else to check other than buy a brand new radiator which I'm currently looking to do next, - any suggestions?


  • I don't any water in the oil
  • I don't have any oil in the water
  • The engine is running normally



Today I used an infra red heat sensor on the thermostat housing is 102 degree, block 104 degree, the lower part of the radiator is about 70 or 80 degrees.

Thanks Roly