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It loses power and boils
Posted: 29 Aug 2016, 13:24
by rod_laranjo
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?
Re: It loses power and boils
Posted: 29 Aug 2016, 13:38
by Smiffo
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.
Re: It loses power and boils
Posted: 29 Aug 2016, 13:42
by mrhutch
Thats good advice to try.. easy enough to do on the drive - whip the stat out and run without one..
Re: It loses power and boils
Posted: 29 Aug 2016, 14:16
by rod_laranjo
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.
Re: It loses power and boils
Posted: 29 Aug 2016, 14:33
by Titus A Duxass
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.
It loses power and boils
Posted: 19 Jan 2017, 13:41
by rod_laranjo
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!
Re: It loses power and boils
Posted: 19 Jan 2017, 13:50
by Titus A Duxass
Good to know, thanks for the feedback.
Big thumbs up to Hutch
Re: It loses power and boils
Posted: 21 Jan 2017, 21:15
by mrhutch
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.