200tdi overheating

i have a problem with my 200tdi defender over heating. It has always had stable temperature whilst i have had it, but today it is running almost into the red. It is an original factory fit 200tdi, not a conversion.

The top hose gets hot, the bottom hose doesnt get warm at all. the viscous fan is spinning slowly when i lifted the bonnet and it was approaching the red temp sector, i dont know how quickly it should spin.

there is no ticking on the engine, and the oil is nice and black. no mayonaisey muck in the oil or signs of oil in the water. when i got up to 40mph, it didnt seem to cool the engine. I do an 8 mile journey from work and the last 2 or 3 were starting to get to 3/4+ on the white sector of the gauge. Coolant level was fine. I opened the expansion tank carefully whilst it was warm, and it seemed to be pressurised.

am i correct in thinking that the thermostat has failed in the closed position?

The heater still doesnt blow warm, but i think this is likely to be a different issue.

water pump

that sounds more expensive :-(

marcros said:

that sounds more expensive :-(

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40 quid 2 hours work....easy job.

could be worse then. is there a definitive test that i can do to check?

marcros said:

could be worse then. is there a definitive test that i can do to check?

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make sure the belt is tight for a start...

thanks Basher and Bob. I will check the belt and take it somewhere for the pump to be done. I don't have the means to mend it if any of the bolts sheer or are seized in.

If replacing water pump, buy a full set of bolts for attaching it. Mine were knackered, which apparently is fairly common given the closeness to water. Get a set of Irwin bolt grippers too, to remove said knackered bolts.

And do the thermostat as well.

The Ferkin BoB said:

40 quid 2 hours work....easy job.

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£40!!! where you getting ya water pumps from en boyo????

dodgyrob said:

£40!!! where you getting ya water pumps from en boyo????

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You could do worse than trying a forum sponsor! We sell Bearmach pumps for the 200tdi for £21.95 + vat and delivery and that includes a gasket.
Click Here

Have you checked condition of radiator? i thought mine was fine until i degreased the engine and power washed everything, i must have caught the back of rad and was surprised to see lots of fins missing afterwards, they must have been rotting.

Thermostat check sounds like an easy starting point. Maybe fresh coolant and a good flush out (although obviously no improvement will be seen if old coolant is OK and block isnt gunged up).

ticking noise ey... with engine running , run your hand around the head gasket and feel for exhaust escape - usually between back of head and bulkhead.