Camry overheating

[Overheated]

I have a 1992 6-cyl Camry that sporadically overheats. I've taken it to the garage 4 times while in the middle of one of it's tantrums, but when I get it there it performs normally.

It will run hot for a week or two and then go back to running at normal temperatures. When the overheating is happenning, the heater blows low temperature, to downright cold, air.

So far, I've had it flushed three times, replaced the thermostat and radiator and still it causes problems. Next thing I am thinking of is flushing/replacing the heater core, but, although this may account for the cool air coming from the heater, I don't see any connection to the overheating problem.

I'm just about to go nutz (and broke) and wonder if anyone out there has any ideas...?

Thanks for any info you may provide....

Overheated !

[Kenyan01]

If I were you I would check for radiator leakages esp if it stays in a damp seaside location, check the radiator coolant for oil to make sure your cylinder head and/or your cylinderhead gasket are okay, check all your hoses for leakages, and replace your water pump. And lastly, was the oil normal the last time you checked??
If all these are okay, its got to be your thermostats or your fans.
cheers,
Patrick.

[Nick]

if the rest of the system flows fine, then it might be your water pump

[Nico]

Originally posted by Overheated
... When the overheating is happenning, the heater blows low temperature, to downright cold, air...

That happens when you don't have enough water in your system

Originally posted by Overheated
...So far, I've had it flushed three times, replaced the thermostat and radiator and still it causes problems. Next thing I am thinking of is flushing/replacing the heater core, but, although this may account for the cool air coming from the heater, I don't see any connection to the overheating problem...

I think replacing thermostat and radiator on a car of such an age is never a bad thing anyway. It can only make your car run and cool better. As far as I am concerned I also had a big overheating problem some time ago and after having replaced numerous parts (including head gasket) it appeared to be the radiator that was clogged.
What I would do is first filling your car TOTALLY with water, heater on max (make sure there are no bubbles left), make it warm a bit and then wait until it gets cold. Re-fill with water, re-check for possible bubbles, make your engine get warm again and then check as following :
1) Do your fans kick on when overheating ?
2) How is water going ? boiling in overflow reservoir ? Is it also leaving the overflow reservoir ?
3) Are water hoses going from and to your radiator full of pressure (very hard to press) ?
4) Are there any apparent and obvious water leaks?

What I would do anyway is this : check your radiator cap for dammage and don't hesitate to change it too if you're not sure (it's cheap and is often a problem...), go to a garage and have your system put under pressure to check for any leaks (that takes only 5 to 10 minutes and can't be expensive !). If there are no leaks shown with the test, then I would say it's either the cylinder head gasket or the water pump (most likely I would say). If it is the water pump I know it would be a pain as it is an expensive part but I would buy a new one (not used)... We'll also be able to tell you then if it is the head gasket if you check what I just said.
I hope I was not too long and not talking like in a dictionnary or something Good luck and let us know how things go !

[Overheated]

First off, thank you Patrick, Nick and Nico, for your replies. To add more info, it had been pressue checked by the garage a few months back, and there are still no apparent leaks and the cooling system has not been losing any coolant. There is also no sign of oil in the coolant and no coolant in the oil and the fan runs normally (it is on when the car overheats).

A few people, both here and in personal discussions, have mentioned that the water pump could be the culprit and I'm beginning to believe this may be the case. I have felt both hoses to make sure they were hot, but they are now too difficult to squeeze.

Does anyone know a relatively simple way to check the output pressure from the water pump ??? and is it possible that the pump is working, but doing so inefficiently delivering a reduced flow ?

Again, thank you all for your relpies...

Paul

[jpimport.org]

Grap the radiator hose...You should feel a rush(coolant flowing). If not your water pump doesn't work.
www.jpimportz.org