1999 Jimny G13BB Cooling

The engine runs ok, for the time being.  It was a reco engine, now has about 7000kms on it, new radiator,  thermostat, and quality coolant / antifreeze used. I've had a blown head gasket a couple of summers ago (after having engine recoed) , engine builder plain lied and said it wasnt,  I have a radiator pressure tester and a CO2 test kit,  both of which indicated a head gasket problem, or worse. Both tests were an obvious no doubts fail. 

So the engine cooked coming up a mountain,  so the engine temp plays on my mind.  I had the head checked over , pressure tested and skimmed and fitted a new head gasket and torqued up to spec. And on it goes.  All genuine parts. Done the best I could.   Thanks for the input,  the radiator is a Koyo,  one of the better brands,  but they are a small slimline radiator ,  operating in Australian conditions.  

I don't like head skimming as it increases the compression ratio and can alter the octane rating of the fuel. Also it will alter the cam timing.
If the engine is running within design parameters it should be capable of running up hill with the ambient temperature at a high level and towing a maxed out trailer to boot.
If it can't, then something is wrong.
Pressure testing a head in a workshop does not take into account the temperature the engine is subjected to whilst running.
My thoughts are heading towards a cracked head.

Roger

When you had the head off did you compensate the skim with a suitable head gasket to maintain the compression ratio etc?

Lads,  I had the head done at a head specialist shop.   The business has been reconditioning heads for 40 years plus. Known him and his family for years.  heaps of experience there.  He would have told me if there was a concern with the amount of machining done.    He also would have advised on whether I needed to apply a head gasket shim or other. 

Highly unlikely theres too much compression and highly unlikely a crack in the head ,  no water loss,  no oil contaminations, no leakages, no other funnies going on.  I had a bad fuel pump but I replaced that and that fixed the odd symptoms i was getting at one point. From what i understand he does a pressure test and a chemical dip for crack diagnostics. 

While I understand the need to keep a check on compression issues when skimming a head a slight raise in compression (if there is one), isn't going to make a great deal of variance to the cooling temp if the cooling sys is intact. Unless the engine is a performance  racing engine. 1300cc of Fury.  Dont think so.   But I take your points on board and keep an open mind.  Ill just drive it and see what happens.   Its coming into winter,  it will be ok in this weather,  summer time will tell. Thanks for your comments I do appreciate them.  Owl