Hi everyone
I've had a look through the search utility, but haven't found any similar examples - apologies if this has already been answered.
Hoping someone can answer a huge mystery for me.
We have a 2000 V7, and whenever we climb hills for long enough, the temp gauge starts to rise. Doesn't happen any other time, and is OK on idle + any other time.
The only thing that seems to cool it down when the needle does start climbing is putting my foot down, bringing on boost and then the needle drops to slightly below normal operating temp.
This started happening up the Ngauranga Gorge, and eventually started happening on the flat. As soon as it started overheating on the flat, I replaced the radiator cap with a temporary item for a day or two, then a Tridon CB16110L. Since then, it's only up hills again.
Background:
Had cambelt replaced recently, but the car was overheating before this was done.
When cambelt was done,car had new thermostat, water pump, coolant etc. Was also re-timed, had all of the idlers etc., done.
Cambelt was done properly, by SpeedTech in Wellington, no cowboy DIY job.
Car isn't running like a sack of s***
No oil in water or water in oil
Black connectors under steering column don't report a fault
Can smell coolant when I exit the car (I live up a big hill, so it's getting warm, but not full on overheating most days), but see no leaks and vehicle doesn't appear to be losing coolant
Radiator and hoses are only a few months old
All fuses are fine
Electric Fans are clicking on
Heater is working fine; heat in the cab etc.
Car does seem to be using fuel faster than usual (average 440-460km before fuel light; came on at 370km today)
It's got me stumped, and I'm having problems finding anyone who's had a similar issue online - if anyone has any thoughts, I'd be really grateful.
Cheers!
Jimmy