Foton getting too hot

succor · Jul 13, 2010

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum but looks VERY valuable for info. I've got a 2006 foton 254 that seems to get hot into the red rather quickly. Fluid seems to be circulating as it is hot in the rad. The fan belt is tight and I don't see anything else wrong. The only thing is that the air intake and battery are in front of the rad which is kind of stupid I think. Can this be moved somewhere else? Not alot of room on this unit. Is there something else to check as well? I can go about 30 minutes in 20 degree weather and it gets this hot.

Thanks

Thomas · Jul 13, 2010

Maybe spray clean rad.
Coolant mix..50/50?

succor · Jul 13, 2010

Thanks for the quick post, Yeh, that's one thing I was reading is the stuff getting in the rad can be a real problem so I will clean it. My mix is about 70/30 so I think this is OK. I don't loose any fluid from the rad other that the occasional spit out the overflow pipe by the cap.

Bob Rooks · Jul 13, 2010

A coolant recovery system will do a lot in keeping the air out of the coolant,
thus increasing it's efficiency. These can be purchased at most auto supply stores for about $10.00.

succor · Jul 13, 2010

Good idea, where do I put the unit, just to save me some time I guess. Does it connect to that overflow hose from the rad cap? Where do I get the overflow unit?

Thanks

greg_g · Jul 13, 2010

succor said:
Does it connect to that overflow hose from the rad cap?

Exactly. Where you locate the bottle is pretty much up to you. I advise against putting it in front of the radiator however. I just bought the $10 cheapies from JC Whitney.

//greg//

Bob Rooks · Jul 13, 2010

succor said:
Good idea, where do I put the unit.
Anywhere that's convienient, preferably below the neck of the radiator, and as Greg stated "not in front of the radiator". Virtually all vehicles (on and off road) have had these devices since the mid 80's)

Does it connect to that overflow hose from the rad cap?
Yes, and that hose must be submerged in the coolant.

Where do I get the overflow unit?
Hello?

12345

Transit · Jul 13, 2010

Take a good hard look at the radiator; they are **** to clogging from below picking up seed and chaff from the ground.
Do not be afraid to remove the radiator for a good cleaning.
A filter in front of the radiator is ever so much easer to clean than the radiator. There is also a 4inch gap between the top of the radiator and the hood that allows the hot discharge air from the back side to be drawn into the radiator again. The radiator thinks it is in Death Valley at 130 F all the time. Block off that gap.

BTW, the T-stat is in working order??
:thumbsup:

succor · Jul 13, 2010

Thanks again for the excellent tips. I went to partsource today and got an $11 engine coolant overflow to put in. The rad is coming out this evening to get cleaned!! What would you suggest to block the 4" opening' a plate or something? Sounds like a good idea.