HELP! Coolant saga continues

[91tercelowner]

This morning I went to try on the new radiator cap--and it doesn't fit. I had the parts guys check the part number several times.

Is it possible the guy sold me the wrong radiator?

Then, I noticed the radiator (cold, first thing in the morning) was low on coolant (at least, I couldn't see any when looking down into it) but the reservoir was way over the full line.

Can you guys explain what's going on? Is it possible, even cold, that there is enough coolant in there, but that it is still tied up in the engine somewhere?

so far, I have not gotten any definitive answers and asked about 4 different mechanics, all of whom have varying price ranges just to diagnose this.

[97blackhawk]

Haven't had any overheating with my Terc, but my old GM's had this problem from time to time. They would overheat, or the radiator would leak, and once I got the problem fixed, I'd have to refill the radiator. After filling it to the brim, I would start it and let it idle. Eventually, it would get warm enough to open the thermostat, and the coolant level would drop. Then, I'd fill it up again and put on the cap.

[91tercelowner]

Thanks for the input, but I had the radiator replaced last April, so I don't think it applies in this case.

Many people have added more radiator fluid, many times, with no solution offered as to why this is happening.

It's only since it went close to the red zone last week that I became really concerned.

I have had this problem pretty much since I got the new radiator.

[ToyotaTechGeek]

did you bleed the coolant properly the first time? after any install, re-checking the coolant is necessary. i also seriously recommend a good flush and fill (of course only with distilled water and Toyota 'red' coolant ONLY).

[91tercelowner]

I don't know what that means, to bleed the coolant.

The guy I took it to for the new radiator ONLY does radiator work, so I have to assume that he would have done that, no?

Do I really need a coolant change if the coolant is less than a year old--I had the work done last April.?

[ToyotaTechGeek]

the idea is to keep the old(er) coolant from migrating and placing deposits into the new rad.
i don't know. i never assume anything when it comes to technician work. that's why only i touch my vehicles.

[91tercelowner]

I assume he changed all the coolant--wouldn't it have all come out when he took the old radiator off--and replaced it with new when I got the rad installed.

In any case, I made the appointment with this guy to change the thermostat--even though he insists "thermostats never malfunction, they just fail and immediately make your engine overheat"--because he was $45 and everyone else is over a hundred.

I will hope for the best.

As for doing it myself, heck, I can barely get the bleaping radiator cap off and on!! I am not mechanical at all, I just try to be an educated consumer so I am not at the mercy of every ripoff shop.