Forum:
Hi
Just picked up my 1993 L reg Sportrak.
On the way home I noticed it overheating twice (130 mile motorway journey)
I pulled over immediately both times and let engine cool down and was ok.
I just want some advice on parts though as I want to change some bits.
I need a thermostat and a rad cap.
Now from my research it doesnt seem that simple, I want a longer thermostat as per previous posts but there are hundreds available....any one got any links to the real deal from a reputable source?
I also hear that there are 3 rad caps available? Likewise any reputable dealers known to be selling the real deal?
I will also be needing a rad rebuild or new rad, any advice on where or how to get that done near Kent?
Apart from that I am wanting to change the belts cam, alternator, power steering etc and give it a nice proper service for peace of mind.
You guessed it again, any reputable dealers selling the real deals known?
There are so many dirt cheap ones around (not fussed about spending money for the right product) but I don't know enough to know the differences.
I want the good stuff!!
Thanks for letting me bore you but any help or advice appreciated!!
Any local motor factor or car
Any local motor factor or car shop will stock these items. The radiator can be re-cored by your local Serck Marston, or other radiator specialist.
Sorry to say this, but
Sorry to say this, but depending on how much it overheated, You may well be needing a new head gasket in a few weeks or months.
When they overheat (the 1.3 Charade or 1.6 Applause/Sportrak), the cylinder head distorts slightly and the gasket is then doomed.
Fingers crossed
Thanks for comments
@pocketrocket yeah I did think that immediately (having owned a K series Rover before I have been there and done that!!
It did only creep over halfway on the temp guage but I got the feeling quick it was not going to come back on its own so dropped revs immediately and coasted to a stop and cooled it down to cold before trying again. Even then kept it at a steady 2500rpm and was fine temp wise for the 30 remaining miles home.
Fingers crossed because I have not lost any power, not losing water or oil and the two arent combining anywhere. Cooling header tank is clean as a whistle as well. Got 3 weeps on the rad and I am pretty sure the cap in the rad has stopped working/inefficient and created pressure in the system to blow rad weeps at weak points.
Having said that......fingers crossed!!
As you may have guessed I want to rebuild the cooling system asap for best chances. Not driving it in the meantime at all and will be looking for any signs of heat.
Ordered a salvage rad, just need to make sure I get the right cap and thermostat. Want complete hose system as well.
Any other advice?
Ah you should be fine then. I
Ah you should be fine then. I was thinking the gauge was going near the top.
Well spotted
Thermostat
Thermostat is probably stuck in closed position or it has an incorrect type already fitted [says you just bought it]. Replace the thermostat. Must be a long reach for a daihatsu Sporty - check you get the correct type or it will over heat. Easy job providrd you position the new thermostat with the jiggle top most. Use sealing compound on a new gasket. Most important - tighten the bolts to no more than 5lb/inch. Over tighten and the internat thread strip. Striped threads will be a big problem!
Use the opportunity to flush the engine with a hose pipe - open the rad drain valve and stick the hose down the thermostat housing.