by wildturkeycanoe on Mon Mar 12, 2018 5:14 pm
I'm not exactly sure if I fit into this category, but my 2011 MN with 190k has had overheating issues since the overheat recall "fix". Especially when towing camper trailer, which I towed for a year without worry prior to the recall.
Had the work done under the MMAL recall last year I think but since then the engine has boiled once and overheated regularly when towing, but the camper is less than a tonne in weight. BUT, no coolant loss into the overflow, which is probably because of the extra tight cap on the radiator. I had the radiator replaced in December last year when it showed a bit of coolant leakage at the top of the radiator core,after the Mitsi recall fix. Since then it has got so hot when towing uphill that the gauge was in the "red" zone. Still no overflow but it was bubbling inside [with standard cap pressure, not the new high pressure one]. So, I'm not sure what is going on. Not enough cooling? Yet without camper it is fine for everyday driving, 88-91 degrees celsius, but up hill without camper it got to 102 degrees, whereas in the previous two years it never got so hot, before or after the cylinder head campaign.
So confused and worried about the engine now, whether or not Mitsi will just fob it off as a "thermostat issue" or some such rubbish. Since I bought it I have done my own services too, so without "factory" service I am even more worried that they won't help if it is a cylinder head problem.
Another interesting issue is the thermo fan keeps kicking in and out when the ambient temp is around 27 degrees plus, when in city driving. It not only drains the power from the engine, but makes it so slow taking off, keeping in mind how slow the auto trans is without these issues. The inlet manifold is somewhat clogged due to the EGR valve, so I am considering spending $1000 to get it cleaned, but if the head is going to be an issue, what is the point?
Next Monday it is going in to get checked out for the overheat problem. Fingers crossed it turns out to be nothing, or something simple. Though what that might be is unknown.
2019 MR GLX+ manual. Stock for now...the future is always evolving.