Overheating problems becoming expensive....

My great 2001 Jimny has only done 94,000 kms but since Feb this year, it has been overheating. In Feb my mechanic did the following: fan viscous coupling (genuine); rediator service & coolant ($665.00). Then in May it happened again & my mechanic did the following: reconditioned cylinder head - inc service radiator, new thermostat & gasket; urs kit; new head bolts; new seals for oil pump & tube; 4 spark plugs etc etc ($2350). Driving to Brooklyn last Fri & damned thing reheated again! Now back with mechanic but surely my little Jimny isn't going to throw in the towel?
I need some help & advice -what is making my car overheat? I never go off-road - just city driving with weekly drive to Hawkesbury River. I have lost faith in my car & really am ready to sell it. Can anyone suggest what the problem might be please?

Much appreciated
JoJo

Hmmm First impressions were blocked radiator vents, so your nbot getting the cooling.. What is the condition of yoru radiator ? is it new looking or does it have lots of fin damage ?

Ours blocks with silt and over heats when using 4wd, but as you say, if this is a city car only... Hmmm ??

I note from the Suzuki Service schedule that they suggest, as a routine, that the radiator be drained and reverse flushed.

I've never known this before with any of my other vehicles, so I suspect that the Jimny may be a bit marginal on it's ability to cool.

Also they mention the need to ensure any bent fins are carefully re-aligned. Good luck

A reverse-flushing kit sells for about $25 at auto stores and just connects to hose. Simple and easy thing to do. Radiator re-core is only about $450 so would be the next thing. Is the airflow blocked by air-conditioning condensor or dirt? No plastic caught up in there? I'm assuming the cheap things like thermostat and slipping belts have been checked? Is the waterpump ok? I've had my Jimny since October 2000 and never had any heating problems, apart from heater core blowing. Is the radiator cap the correct one?

Good Luck!

Many thanks to you all. Re: radiator. This has been 'sent off' and checked thoroughly apparently. The car heat gauge is usually sitting on the half-way mark, seems to run fine for a few weeks, then soars unexpectedly to just about the highest mark on the dial! I'll call mechanic today and ask about: bent rad fins; kink in hose; reverse flushing; rad cap being correct etc - but I doubt that any of these are the cause since the overheating is out of the blue. I love my Suze but am seriously thinking of selling because I just can't 'rely' on it anymore. I looked into the bonnet when the major work was being done a few weeks ago - and honestly, it does not look complicated - kind of like a sewing machine engine! What else can it be? This is making driving a misery.......

Just spoke with mechanic who confirms: brand new radiator; no magic sealer used; new bottom hose no kink; airflow clear no dirt; radiator cap original Suzuki.....he will take it for a run today to see how she goes. Other than that...........am I missing something ??

If it were me and I replaced a part and the problem continued, I'd start looking elsewhere and not the same again (still inspect to be sure but not replace). I would consider the water pump possibly or maybe considering it's intermittent(?) perhaps electrical fault somewhere. Does it only heat up when standing or whilst driving as well?

If it's happening while moving then its probably to do with a lack of water flow around the engine block. It it's only while stopped then could be fan related (electrical?). When it overheats is the radiator still full?

Does the car run like a dream or a pig when the car is not overheating? Does the check engine light come on?

Have a look at the sticky topic re: manual. You should be able to find the service manual. In that there is a fault section for the car overheating and gives you the possibilities. When I get home I'll have a look for you

Also, consider taking it to another mechanic if the one uve taken it to twice hasn't worked it out.