Overheating 1989 Defender Turbo Diesel

Morning all,

I've owned the above LR for 2yrs. I only drive it in the winter normally. Currently driving it now though (in Sicily, and it's hot!), as my other vehicle is in the shop. First time ever the temp gauge has gone over the middle. Checked all fluids and all is good. Is this normal as it has turned hot down here..

that looks like the normal position to me but it's a while since i fitted a 200 to my turbo diesel
might be worth checking rad fins aren't blocked and your thermostat is opening

PeteHM3 said:

Morning all,

I've owned the above LR for 2yrs. I only drive it in the winter normally. Currently driving it now though (in Sicily, and it's hot!), as my other vehicle is in the shop. First time ever the temp gauge has gone over the middle. Checked all fluids and all is good. Is this normal as it has turned hot down here..
View attachment 291693

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It should be about in the middle, but that isn't a serious overheat. It could be a gauge or sender issue, or a duff thermostat or slightly blocked rad.
Even on a 2.5 TD, which produce a lot of heat, there should be plenty of spare radiator capacity. So try and rectify it if you can.

Also, your vehicle is not a Defender. If it has a 2.5TD and was built in 1989, it is a Land Rover Ninety.

Turboman said:

It should be about in the middle, but that isn't a serious overheat. It could be a gauge or sender issue, or a duff thermostat or slightly blocked rad.
Even on a 2.5 TD, which produce a lot of heat, there should be plenty of spare radiator capacity. So try and rectify it if you can.

Also, your vehicle is not a Defender. If it has a 2.5TD and was built in 1989, it is a Land Rover Ninety.

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Thanks. There is a lot of ash down here from Mt Etna as of late. Blowing like a good one.

PeteHM3 said:

Thanks. There is a lot of ash down here from Mt Etna as of late. Blowing like a good one.

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In that case, try blowing through the rad from inside the bonnet with an airline.

I was thinking more internal blockage, which is common where POs have used water instead of antifreeze mix.

I have had two land rovers (older ones) and the rads looked OK, but touch the fins and they turned to dust. Changed the rad on each of them and it made a significant difference.

yep suprising how the deteriate but to a casual look thy seem fine