help... dead LJ78
Hi,
My LJ78 appears to have died. Problem is, i live in Argentina and it died in Bolivia, so this forum maybe my saviour in rescuing it, or at least giving me some info to pass to the (dubious) Bolivian mechanics...
Basically, it's been overheating a lot recently, particularly on climbs. I thought it maybe the altitude (3000m plus asl) but when i took it down to sea-level problems continued. Radiator has been cleaned, all filters replaced, oil changes have been regular. She had a new head gasket (impactadora / junta) to see if this rectified it, old one looked pretty burnt. still no difference though. It seems to me that the water isn't circulating properly (no noises from pump though). Tried changing thermostat for one that opens at 75 degrees instead of 88, also ran it with no thermostat at all. Fan has been fixed, so no viscous coupling to go wrong.
Symptons are strange. Needle indicates its running quite cold until it suddenly climbs towards the red, by which time i stop, take the cap off and the vapor and boiling water eject about 6 feet.....
Also, possibly a linked cause, exhaust puts out think black smoke on acceleration, and not just at start up, all the time. Cleaned the injectors but this didn't really help.
Any one experienced similar problems and have any ideas. !!
cheers!
