Well , we got the ute back two weeks ago ($18K lighter), did 1000kms locally & had the service done , left home wednesday morning with van on - approx 7'c , fine and sunny - all going good - sitting on 85-90 km/h in 4th gear , approx 2400 rpm , as we approached White Wells I noticed temp gauge was at half way ... unusual - my old motor only ever got to half way once=towing van up Horrocks pass on a hot humid day .
Anyway , had morning cuppa and departed - ambient temp now probably 18'c , going up hills temp gauge now goes over half way - slow to 80 km/hr ... on hill near old Mt Gibson gold mine temp now up to 3/4 , turn heater on and slow to 70 km/hr - temp drops once over hills .
No mobile reception .
Make it into Mt Magnet - around to same workshop - everything checks out ok , not losing coolant , fans both ok . Ring engine exchange - they reply that it can't be overheating !!!! Checked thermostat (brand new) - supposed to open at 76'c , seems a little slow - order new thermostat - arrives overnight , fitted - not much change . Engine exchange tell us to bring it back to them , if we keep going we could void warranty ...... No one knows why it is overheating - new radiator (upgraded to copper/brass) new water pump , new belts/hoses etc , inj pp overhauled ......
We are over this year - so going home for good .