took stock suby l to stockton for first time.....

[indy]

So i took my 88 l series(everything standard pretty much) to stockton beach on the weekend to hit the sand dunes, let the tyres down to about 15 psi. and away we went. went great, got stuck twice in really soft sand. once couldve been avoided.
Had it in low range most of the time in 2nd-3rd gear. was all going great, until i was cruising up the beach in about 3rd gear, had to rev it out a bit and she started to heat up and overheat. the way back id be able to drive for about 2 minutes, then id stop for 5. which was a bit frustrating.

Anyone have troubles with theirs overheating on the sand? mine pretty much had straight water in the radiator, so maybe if i actually had coolant it would help? and is there any mods you can do for cooling to make it better?
It went great in the sand, that was the only downside the overheating.

[Pootcrum]

You didn't throw a bunch of sand into your radiator fins and block airflow?

[AndrewT]

Definitely put actual coolant in (regardless of overheating problems) to prevent corrosion. It also keeps the car cooler a bit.
Replace your thermostat too (cheap), it might not be opening fully and restricting flow.
Consider having your radiator serviced at a radiator place. They can "rod" the core and flush it out to ensure it's operating at peak efficiency.

[indy]

yeh there was definatly no sand blocking the radiator. i had a look to make sure air was getting through. as soon as i got it on the road it was fine, cruised 110 on the freeway for an hour and a half and the temp was fine.

I might look into that Andrew, sounds good. cheers.

[El_Freddo]

Consider having your radiator serviced at a radiator place. They can "rod" the core and flush it out to ensure it's operating at peak efficiency.

My thoughts exactly too Andy T!

I've also got an in cab switch to turn my thermo (hopefully thermoS for summer) ON, Off or Auto. I made this simple diagram to show how to do it:



^ This mod is easily reversible, depending on how you locate the switch on the dashboard

Cheers

Bennie

[Pootcrum]

I second the thermostat test. Testing the thermostat is easy, and if the thermostat is good then its only a $3 or something gasket, otherwise, its an extra $16 i think for a new thermostat. I had mine in a pot of boiling water couple weeks ago and it was shut tight. New thermostat went in and the thermofans hardly have to work anymore.

[Wagonman]

I had it once down south of wa around albany in my L the wind was going the same direction to the way i was driving on the "sand" and she was overheating.. and driving back it was fine. But plus 1 to having actual coolant and a working/suitable thermostat in.