Diesel leaking into Coolant?

[ngoma]

Originally Posted by DieselScout

I installed an 80C thermostat in my Wagon the other week after suspecting (haven't yet confirmed) that my sedan has an 80C thermostat. The wagon is now averaging 190-190F versus the sedan with is around 175-180F.

To get to the bottom of this you will need to benchtest each tstat by heating them/cooling them in a pot of water on the stove with a thermometer. Not uncommon for them to vary quite a bit from their ratings.

Originally Posted by DieselScout

I have not yet had the chance to test steep hills, but in the past, my wagon temperature would spike/increase during sustained highway travel and up hills, causing several hoses to burst.

Things to look at:
Radiator condition
Thermostat functionality (sticking? sluggish?)
Water pump condition, style, design (some are more efficient than others)

Burst hoses:
Expansion tank cap rating. Recommend use the black (lower pressure)
Hose condition, age. Did they ever get oil or fuel soaked?