It loses power and boils

Post by **rod_laranjo** » 29 Aug 2016, 13:24

1989 1.6TD

It's driving me mad for days. I bleed the radiator, top up the coolant doing 2000rpm and close. It goes ok for 10 miles, then when the temperature is almost at the middle, there's a clear lack of power, and if you don't stop in 5 minutes it will boil.

I'm trying to avoid the pain, but looks like my gasket is gone. Any magic trick or should I start to save for the mechanic? Any recommended mechanic in Midlands?

Post by **Smiffo** » 29 Aug 2016, 13:38

Is the thermostat opening?
Not my forte, but I would check simple things before jumping into taking it to a garage.

I think there are basic tests to see if it is anything drastic like gaskets blown etc - I think it shows combustion gases in coolant or something.

Post by **mrhutch** » 29 Aug 2016, 13:42

Thats good advice to try.. easy enough to do on the drive - whip the stat out and run without one..

Post by **rod_laranjo** » 29 Aug 2016, 14:16

It probably has no thermostat because the temperature hardly goes over the white mark on the gauge. It just started to happen recently, to the temperature gauge goes over the white mark. And the radiator is hot.

Post by **Titus A Duxass** » 29 Aug 2016, 14:33

It sounds like your head gasket has gone.
You can get a sniff test done to find out if there is exhaust gas in the coolant.

This is a common fault on the JX engine, it has to work hard to move the bus and is often not maintained correctly.

Post by **rod_laranjo** » 19 Jan 2017, 13:41

Just for the records, I had the engine replaced at the end. I'm using now a 1.9D (non-turbo) from a VW Polo. Hutch did a good service at a fair price.

It basically gives me the same power as the old JX 1.6TD and it's more economical. Starts easier when cold as well. And also I have my van back on street!

Post by **Titus A Duxass** » 19 Jan 2017, 13:50

Good to know, thanks for the feedback.

Big thumbs up to Hutch

Post by **mrhutch** » 21 Jan 2017, 21:15

Thanks Rod, He's a top chap, and a lovely bus - best gear change I have ever felt on a T3!

IMHO I personally think if you are staying diesel then the IDI 1Y or AEF (as Rod's was) is the best option. There is too much hype (and problems) having an AAZ or TDI.

I'm running a 1Y in my westy (ripped out the JX that lived there) just as a stopgap before GTi'ing it (we had one lying about) but i'm in no rush to do the conversion now.

currently got 1 x 1Y and a couple of AEF's here if anyone needs one.

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