I should have mentioned this last month, but better late than never.

Overheating is a problem at this time of the year. The high surface temperatures make the cooling system work hard. This is particularly so if the radiator has internal or external blockages. In fact, your vehicle could have external blockage by leaves, grass seed, dirt, bugs etc. Removal of the radiator is only necessary in the worst cases. Usually the blockages can be removed by spraying with a mixture of 50/50 mix of Jeys fluid and water, when the vehicle is cold. This worked well when we were living in South Africa 20+ years ago. Truck wash is probably more suitable these days - 50/50 mix with water - leave for 1 hour then back wash with the garden hose without the nozzle on. (This will save flattening the radiator fins.) Work up and down the core - this is a bit fiddly with the fan in the way.

One member phoned the other day to say that a hose had leaked and the motor had overheated by the time he had noticed it. As a result the head gasket had blown. An expensive exercise - $1000. As he can attest, the result of the overheating can cost you a new motor and a very upset bank account.

VDO has just released a water alert gauge for all vehicles. You should consider very seriously about getting one. It works by a probe in the radiator top tank - when not covered with water the alarm and a light are activated giving an instance alert. My truck (UD) has one fitted as standard (‘83 model) and has successfully warned me on two occasions. Unlike the club member above, "no damage - no cost".

Tech Trivia (Did you know that in ...*)

1925 Ford begins production of the Model T in Geelong, Victoria
1926 Hot-water car heaters introduced in US
1926 General Motors start assembly in Australian factories
1926 Silentbloc non-lubricated bearing is launched

Trevor

NB: The information provided above is included in good faith - should you have additional information or wish to provide an opposing view I would welcome your comment (or please write to the Editor)