driving home the other day at about 50mph the Montero just turned off on me, like i was out of gas or something. i coast over to the shoulder, take next exit and stop on a service road. i pop the hood. there steam rising from upper radiator hose connection points, steam rising from coolant resevoir and generally from top of engine. coolant resevoir is also almost overflowing. i put my hand on upper radiator hose and can feel/hear a "gurgling" sound.
i wait 30 mins for her to cool down. steam goes away, coolant level in resevoir returns to normal. i try to start, and it won't. it'll turn over, but it won't actually kick on. i had a friend tow me to the nearest shop and they are looking at it now.
coincidentally, i have had a problem with my electrical system where turn signal lights would stay on if my headlights are on.
so i'm wondering if anyone thinks the two are related. here is what i am hoping: faulty ground wire somewhere caused her to shut off. as things with vehicles often do, at same time thermostat or lower hose malfunctioned.
here is what i'm not hoping: timing belt went out.

anyone experiences something similar or have an idea they'd like to share?

ps. i did have the t-belt replaced (and h20 pump, plugs, etc.) at 110k. she now has 143k.

I'd say you experienced an overheat for some reason or another. Coolant boiled over. Check for a bad hose somewhere. Replace the thermostat. Pray.

I can't see how a coolant boilover and an electrical problem would be related.

Probably not related but for the overheat I suspect a timing belt as well - otherwise it would probably start. When you replaced it did you also replace the tensioner and spring? If not, that's probably what did the dirty deed.

Frank

Check under your dist. cap. If you're like me and o-ring-less you might have water in there - could definately ruin your starting. Pull all the plugwires and dry them out, along with the rotor, etc.

You might want to bar the engine over a few times with the batt disconnected. Just listen and feel closely for odd noises or resistance. I'd replace the t'stat while you're there, along with upper and lower hose. Clean the contacts on your sending units. While you're drained I'd buy a gasket for the water pump, pull it and look it over for corrosion / freedom of rotation etc.

Someone else can tell you how to check the fan - I don't know offhand if there's a clutch in these bad boys or not (??) but it couldn't hurt to take a peek. I wouldn't be afraid to clean out the rad. as well - just exterior if it's muddy / full of bugs/leaves.

Pull the dizzy cap and see if the rotor turns when you crank it. If not, timing belt or worse is gone. I'm with Frank on this one. Timing belt drives water pump. Water pump will slip before the belt gets thrown off, overheating the motor. What did your temp gauge read at shutdown?

Maybe the thermostat got stuck closed?? If this was the case, the temp guage may not have read hot (due to lack of water).

Hope for the best! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

We have a winner! I most certainly did not replace the tensioner and spring. Sure enough, after tearing it down, that is what the mechanic concluded is my problem.

Thank you for the responses fellas.

By the way, if anyone is looking for a change of career, mechanics in Aspen (where I happened to break down) make $95/hr. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

This may be the most expensive t-belt/tensioner/pulley replacement of all time... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Oh well, at least the mountains are pretty here. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Scenery surcharge, etc.

Try breaking down in the Virgin Islands. 27" brand-x tires for a suzuki - $300 / ea. installed

Reminds me of a computer tech joke

Computer Tech comes over to fix a computer and turns one little screw and hands him a bill for $100. The customer says all you did was turn one little screw, I could have done that. The computer tech takes back the bill and fixes it. Turn one screw $5 knowing which screw to turn $95. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />