Overheating and coolant issues - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

davj3368 · 01-12-2011, 07:29 AM

I've had a problem lately of where my 2000 Camry SE 4-Cyl has been overheating. I thought it was the fan switch (as the fans were not running) but they still aren't running even after replacing the switch. I have coolant leaking from the water pump area...and out a short small drain tube behind the water pump. Any ideas what could be going on? I'm guessing I'm gonna have to dive in and pull the water pump (what a pain) but thought I'd run this by you guys before beginning the work.

I noticed for a few days that the car would not overheat as long as I was driving on the highway, but once I got in town it would get hot. That's what made me suspect the fans. The leak is my big concern though...

Thanks in advance for any tips and opinions...

DJ

davj3368 · 01-12-2011, 11:41 AM

should I pull the thermostat as a test? I don't want to replace the water pump if I dont have to. This motor was replaced early last year...so I'm not sure what state the water pump was in when I received it.

71Corolla · 01-12-2011, 12:01 PM

You can try replacing the gasket and O-ring on the water bypass first to see if that fixes the leak. If it doesn't, then your water pump is starting to fail. Don't bother with testing the thermostat, fix your leak first, and replace the thermostat while you're at it.

LVLT FIXIT · 01-26-2011, 12:22 AM

If water is leaking from the small hole in your pump. then the seal is leaking. the seal keeps the water out of the bearing. so soon your bearing will fail and when that does your pump will seize and break your timing belt and you will be waling hole in the cold cursing yourself. Get to work - LOL good luck. Change your belt too. Belt every 60k and a new pump and idlers at 180k is good practice. Change the thremostat while your in there - use one with a jiggle valve. You may still have a fan problem too.