43 frozen cooling system (1 Viewer)

[MayflyFJ43]

Got the pressure up to 20 psi.....had multiple leaks in the radiator, hose lower hose and thermostat housing gasket.

 

[Varty Yo]

I find that pretty odd for just dipping below freezing!

Im thinking these leaks etc may have been there and hidden before.

 

[David70FJ40]

Down to 9* here last night. Started up at 10 pm and got the temp up to 180* on the temp gauge. Covered the hood with three moving blankets and turned the heat lamp on again. Measured this morning with a laser thermometer and the oil pan was 28*, the hose from the head to the heater was 1*, the hose from the heater to the lower radiator hose was 8* and the head was 10*. Just one more night of teen temps before we go back to more normal temps in the 20's at night.

 

[Living in the Past]

I find that pretty odd for just dipping below freezing!

Im thinking these leaks etc may have been there and hidden before.

A good wind and almost pure water might cause a weak radiator to leak. Also have to consider the quality of work in South America isn't always the greatest. On a plus side it's at least a mid wheel and not the common short wheel base. If I was ever to import a 40 series it would not be a short wheel base model. If I wanted a diesel would import one the from your country and convert a low rust Southwest FJ40 to diesel. While not from Canada have a H55F and most the conversion parts from a BJ42. That's a start.

 

[Varty Yo]

Yah when i said something seems odd i was meaning there could be sub standard work haha.

 

[bikersmurf]

Bit of random info: 40 c below is 40 F below. So 50/50 is good from -40 to 230 F with a 13 lb cap.

As for poster with concerns of leaking frost plugs... if they're in place I'd top up the Rad, loosen the Rad cap, and drive it to the mechanic... save yourself a $150+ Tow bill.

 

[Splangy]

Down to 9* here last night. Started up at 10 pm and got the temp up to 180* on the temp gauge. Covered the hood with three moving blankets and turned the heat lamp on again. Measured this morning with a laser thermometer and the oil pan was 28*, the hose from the head to the heater was 1*, the hose from the heater to the lower radiator hose was 8* and the head was 10*. Just one more night of teen temps before we go back to more normal temps in the 20's at night.

How did the hoses become cooler than the coldest air temp?

 

[MayflyFJ43]

I had read enough to expect some things to not be done up to North American standards. If anyone is ever thinking about importing one from Colombia then they should hit me up. I learned a lot about the process and there are a few logistical mistakes that could have been avoided with more knowledge. Ironically, those logistical mistakes caused a 2-3 month delay put it arriving in winter.....not fall.

 

[David70FJ40]

How did the hoses become cooler than the coldest air temp?

I believe now that the laser thermometer is toast. The official temp this morning from the NWS is 5*. Just for S&G I tried measuring the temp on a metal bird feeder outside and it registered -11.7*. Looks like I need to find a replacement.

 

[65swb45]

Quick update this morning......I believe the efforts were successful last night. There was standing fluid around radiator this morning. I ended up adding a heater underneath as recommended with blankets and tarps for insulation. Going to get the roof off today and get it in the garage to thaw then go from there. Also emailed the owner in Colombian and he said that the radiator was flushed before shipping with Texaco orange antifreeze that is only available in Colombia. ??? Maybe the mix was off or it wasn't rated for how cold it got but I know for sure that hoses and the top of the radiator were leaking yesterday when the sun was on it.

Just read this thread for the first time. Had my first laugh of the day. Texaco Orange! Now there’s a euphemism for rusty water if I ever heard one! Gonna add that to my lexicon.

Even if it was really antifreeze, I wouldn’t hold much stock in antifreeze that showed slush in the radiator at 15 degrees.

Flush the system, get all new hoses, and some North American spec antifreeze.