Radiator, Water pump, or Thermostat?

[Deuce]

So, the Cam gave me a scare today. In 84 degree weather, in traffic with NO A/C on, the temp gauge went from 1/4 high to 2/3 high on the dash. Checked the oil, still full. Tires fully inflated, no hose collapses, so what could it be?

Here's the history - June 03, upper radiator hose collapsed and burst. Toyota in Bakersfield said no engine damage. Jan 04, distributor coil blew and ToyotaTown Stockton repaired it after PepBoys f***ed it up, but it has an idle now that causes the rpm to drop from 750 to somewhere less than 600 for a bit when the fans come on, but it never cuts off. Recently, the temp gauge started not dropping to cold/bottom when turning the car off (started happening more frequently recently - all connections are secure, and the other gauges/lights work so I doubt there's a short).

The reason for the radiator - no matter how hot the car is, the coolant reservoir never changes its fill level, whereas before, it would go fluctuate based on the load when it was on. There is also a miniscule crack near the cap on it, because the wrong spec radiator cap was on when the hose blew, and could've contributed to the problem. Also, I think one of the fans doesn't come on, but I'm not sure if both fans are off until the temp reaches a certain level or if one fan should be on always (factory spec question here)

The reason for the water pump - I smelled heat like burning when driving it today, and with the fact that I never see the coolant reservoir change levels, I'm starting to think the pump isn't pumping fluid in the block like it should.

The reason for the thermostat - the fans don't seem to kick in until I feel a lot of heat when my arm is out the window driving, possibly high amts of heat. If this is the case, then my temp gauge may be bad also, for above stated reason, and since i had to mix-and-match since I dropped and broke the original gauge cluster.

So, let er rip peeps...which part should i throw money into first?

[88 LE]

Originally posted by B Deuce
Recently, the temp gauge started not dropping to cold/bottom when turning the car off (started happening more frequently recently - all connections are secure, and the other gauges/lights work so I doubt there's a short).

Could be the guage cluster or the temp sender for the guage cluster.

I think one of the fans doesn't come on, but I'm not sure if both fans are off until the temp reaches a certain level or if one fan should be on always (factory spec question here)

You have 2 fans (radiator and a/c).

The radiator fan only turns on when the engine reaches a certain temp.

A/C fan is on whenever the a/c is turned on.

The reason for the thermostat - the fans don't seem to kick in until I feel a lot of heat

Could have a faulty temp sensor. It screws into the bottom of the radiator.


If you want some help with it, let me know since your in Sacramento.

[Deuce]

Originally posted by 88 LE
Could have a faulty temp sensor. It screws into the bottom of the radiator.

Is that a different part than the thermostat Haynes shows in part 2?

Also, Kragen lists 4 different temp thermostats (160, 192/195, 180 and 200). Which one is closest to the stock one?

[zoni]

quote:
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Originally posted by B Deuce
Recently, the temp gauge started not dropping to cold/bottom when turning the car off (started happening more frequently recently - all connections are secure, and the other gauges/lights work so I doubt there's a short).
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88le:
Could be the guage cluster or the temp sender for the guage cluster.

First... i would definitely say it was something in the gauge cluster... which shouldnt ever happen... it could be a broken needle... cause when you turn the car off, the power to the cluster is turned off. hence the needles all go down. might be something with the needle, the only other explanation for that would be a capacitor that holds power temporarily. but how would this get integrated into the gauge cluster power system, where it doesnt belong... hmmmmm... i'd say gauge cluster.

about overheating in general, the car won't overheat unless
A. coolant isnt flowing - water pump is broken
B. there is no coolant - something is leaking
C. there is little or no oil in the car... - overheating is the last thing you should be worried about in this case.


Second... why do so many people insist on the spelling "GUAGE".. its GAUGE! www.dictionary.com www.m-w.com... sorry 88, you know i love you haha

[88 LE]

Originally posted by B Deuce
Is that a different part than the thermostat Haynes shows in part 2?

Yes.

Also, Kragen lists 4 different temp thermostats (160, 192/195, 180 and 200). Which one is closest to the stock one?

180.

I say this because the thermostat on my 3S-FE is 82C which is 180F.

[Deuce]

88, still not seeing the temp sensor in the Haynes or on the various parts websites...do you have an idea of what the part number is so I can source it at one of the dealers and/or cost?


PS I may have to hit you up for help on this one.

[88 LE]

Originally posted by B Deuce
88, still not seeing the temp sensor in the Haynes or on the various parts websites...do you have an idea of what the part number is so I can source it at one of the dealers and/or cost?

No idea what the part number is or the cost.


Water temperature switch:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8013e409.jsp

Click on fig. 1.

[88 LE]

Zoni,

Yes I saw your post, however I was talking about something else.

I was talking about the water temperature switch on the bottom of the radiator. My mistake for calling it a temp sensor.

And about the spelling of "gauge". I majored in electronics not english.