Engine over heating: checking list
Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2022 10:05 am
Hi everyone,
My MH was in a camping last 3 months and I took the road last weekend. After 2-3 miles, water temp was 280 (red light). I stopped as soon as I can, add coolant (it was not completely full) and let the engine runs for 3-4 minutes. Temperature decreased to normal (I don't remember exactly what temperature but gauge was at "12 o'clock") and I took the road again. Unfortunately temperature increased after a couple of miles, oil pressure was also high (red light) so I stopped the vehicle definitively and have it towed to my brother's house (no garage in the area wanted to take it!). At this point, radiator was still full of coolant so it does not seem to be a leak problem.
This morning, with the engine cold (water temp gauge was at its minimum), we started the engine and temperature increased immediately to 280 again. We think the problem could be the temperature sending unit. Other things to check before replacing this unit?
EDIT: just noticed there is another water temp gauge at the back of RH (rear right compartment, near another oil pressure gauge and oil level). Water temp on this gauge is 215-220. Can it be trusted as the real value? Is it too high anyway to take the road ? I've read here a comment made by Mel in 2014 that says that "normal operating temperature for the engine is 190 to 215 degrees Fahrenheit"
Thank you for your help
Regards,
Patrick
Safari Sahara 1996
CAT 3126, serial number 1WM01549
My MH was in a camping last 3 months and I took the road last weekend. After 2-3 miles, water temp was 280 (red light). I stopped as soon as I can, add coolant (it was not completely full) and let the engine runs for 3-4 minutes. Temperature decreased to normal (I don't remember exactly what temperature but gauge was at "12 o'clock") and I took the road again. Unfortunately temperature increased after a couple of miles, oil pressure was also high (red light) so I stopped the vehicle definitively and have it towed to my brother's house (no garage in the area wanted to take it!). At this point, radiator was still full of coolant so it does not seem to be a leak problem.
This morning, with the engine cold (water temp gauge was at its minimum), we started the engine and temperature increased immediately to 280 again. We think the problem could be the temperature sending unit. Other things to check before replacing this unit?
EDIT: just noticed there is another water temp gauge at the back of RH (rear right compartment, near another oil pressure gauge and oil level). Water temp on this gauge is 215-220. Can it be trusted as the real value? Is it too high anyway to take the road ? I've read here a comment made by Mel in 2014 that says that "normal operating temperature for the engine is 190 to 215 degrees Fahrenheit"
Thank you for your help
Regards,
Patrick
Safari Sahara 1996
CAT 3126, serial number 1WM01549