I'm Starting to Over Heat Also - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Dawgem · 05-29-2008, 01:42 PM

96 Camry, 4 cyl, auto, 240K. I have replaced the thermostat and radiator cap. Right now it doesn't have a thermostat in it. I've checked the relays and switches. everything seems to be fine. I just accidently discovered if I unplug the engine coolant temperate switch on the bottom of the radiator the fans run all the time. I drove it like that and it still over heated when I stopped. I also discovered that if I keep the RPMs up past 2k the temp stays about normal. If it idles it over heats. Anyone have any ideas?

DFBonnett · 05-29-2008, 03:20 PM

You might try flushing the radiator. With engine running and up to temp, are both rad hoses hot?

Dawgem · 05-29-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFBonnett

You might try flushing the radiator. With engine running and up to temp, are both rad hoses hot?

I replaced the rad about 18 months ago. In the last 2 weeks, I've flushed the rad twice. The first time was with just water. The second time was with a commerical product. The engine was at temp both times. thanks

rty · 05-29-2008, 05:27 PM

Water pump?

Dawgem · 05-30-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rty

Water pump?

I have thought about that, but I don't know enough about it to know if it could be something else. I can see the coolant flowing when I remove the rad cap. But I do know that just means that's the waterpump is working but not necessarily the right amount of flow. Can that be measured?

DFBonnett · 05-31-2008, 12:48 PM

Any possibility one of the rad hoses is collapsing under load?

Dawgem · 05-31-2008, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFBonnett

Any possibility one of the rad hoses is collapsing under load?

I've read that can happen, but I thought it happened while accelerating, not while idling. I went out and watched the hoses while it was idling and over heated. The hoses seemed to be fine. thanks.

marc780 · 06-06-2008, 04:05 PM

You need to check for a blown head gasket... look for coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant. Do a compression check (one cylinder reading low) or at least remove your plugs and look for coolant on them. Also check the tailipipe with the engine running and warmed up. you may see alot more white smoke and maybe even coolant dripping out the exhaust.
If you take it to a shop they probably have the special tool/instrument for checking for blown head gaskets.