Hello,
I have pajero 2003, the car was perfectly fine, but recently it start overheating, i replaced the thermostat, bleed radiator, radiator cleaning.
The car normally runs fine, but if i stuck in traffic, the engine start becoming extra hot and then car guage start increasing to top. (imp thing the coolant always its reduced a bit daily i have to fill radiator).
Today it was raining outside and my car start overheating and guage reach to the max. I turned off the engine and there was a hissing sound coming from engine. What could be the fault?
The car is nearly 19 years old so almost anything goes. Radiator could still be a problem despite cleaning. (Is temperature even across its surface?) Since overheating happens mainly in traffic your cooling fan(s) may not be turning on when they need to. The water pump impeller could be corroded or loose and not providing enough flow. You could have a head gasket problem.
So from where should i start? Local mechanic said everything seems to be fine, as i write also even in normal condition car gets overheat and yes the Guage is reaching to the Red area. Like today it was raining and i was driving normally, as i park my car for hardly 5 mins (Ac was off), temp guage reach to the maximum heat.
So from where should i start inspection? Should i change the radiator first or what?
You need another mechanic. Obviously everything is not fine if the engine is overheating.
I would first confirm that your cooling fans are working. If those are OK then check the radiator. After the engine reaches operating temperature turn off the engine and check the radiator for cold spots that would indicate a blockage. (Preferably with an infrared thermometer but you can use your hand if you're careful.) Since you have air conditioning you would need to do this from the engine side of the radiator.