So, after pouring a few hundred dollars for car repairs on this '96 Camry, I drove it today and the Hot/Cold needle wobbled between H and C and finally went to H - HOT and steam came out of my engine. Nice people helped me push it out of an intersection. Called roadside assistance, and now it's in my parking lot. I will show you pics.
A few months back,this happened, and Mac's Radiator and Repair told me it was only the cap for $9. So the cap is new. How do I determine if it's the cap or the radiator? Does a leaking radiator throw out white stuff in the engine? Is that from the steam?
If it's the radiator, can you please help me build my shopping cart Rock Auto and if you know of a discount code, that would be nice.
Last time,so many of you nice people helped me out. I do have a personal mobile mechanic that also works from his home.
I hate being stranded like this. And I might need to wait until I get my social security money again to buy.

 

The OE cap is ALL I ever use on Toyotas/ Asian cars, period. That "MotoRad" cap by brand, has been the bane of my professional career fixing cars SO often that I avoid that brand emphatically. Spend about 15 dollars. Get an OE cap! I do not know WHY you have the overheating, but the cap can most certainly do it!

 

Did you get any warning lights on the dash? Coolant or Check Engine? Does the vehicle have a temperature gauge? If the engine overheated, I'd be worried about the head gasket and water pump getting damaged.

What I would do is let her cool all the way down, open up the radiator cap and see if it's full....my bet is it's very low, based on that picture. Where did you get that radiator cap from? It needs a Toyota cap replacement. (Last time I got one from the dealer it was only around $8) While you're at the dealer, get a bottle of Toyota coolant for you car and refill with that. (They can look up what type for you....have your VIN handy)

Yes, if you do need to drive her, add either Toyota coolant or (in an emergency) distilled water. Nothing else....keep us posted.

 

Have the fans checked for operation. Have the cooling system pressure tested. Make sure the thermostat opens when the engine is at operating temperature. Make sure the water pump isn't leaking.

 

@EngineerBoo No warning lights came on. I only noticed the temperature gauge wobbling from (middle of C and H) all the way to H (hot). That's when I saw steam coming out of my hood. I put on my flashers, turned off my engine and a driver behind me pushed my car to a side street. I called roadside assistance and he towed it home. The cap came from Mac’s Automotive Service & Radiator Repair. Last year I had a problem with it overheating and they swtiched out the cap. I can't get over to the Toyota Dealer. I'm going to look up bus schedules.
I don't even have distalled water or collant. Looks like the radiator is either empty or low. I'll showyou more pics. Should I get full concentrate or 50/50 mix at AutoZone?
The weird thing is I didn't see any fluid under my car where I waited for the tow truck and none right now where I'm parked. there is a dark spot of fluid under there. Does coolant turn black on pavement? My overflow tank is at the full line.
Once I fill up the radiator, how do I know what caused the problem or how do I determine if the radiator is cracked? And how do I determine if the water pump or head gasket got damaged? I don't want to go bankrupt over this car. I already put in $400 for ATF fluid leaking (hoses replaced) o-rings, a bunch of things. I do know a reputable mechanic, but I buy the parts and he removes and replaces. I don't know where to start to diagnose. I'm a senior on a fixed income. I'm really sad today. I live alone and not to friendly with some neighbors. I might be able to get a ride to Autozone. Should I get a gal of Coolant, turn on the engine and watch to see if it leaks?

 

That is an alarmist comment to only use Toyota coolant. Universal coolant is fine. But, yes, only use distilled water until the coolant leak is fixed. You can drive the car so long as it doesnt overheat. Speaking of which, how much did it overheat? Did the needle go all the way to hot, and stay there, or did you turn off the engine before the needle got to H? The big danger when an engine overheats is damage to the head gasket and/or the engine block and/or heads cracking due to the heat.

If the car drives fine before it overheats, that may be a good sign you avoided permanent damage. Now, you need ti ID the leak source. based on the pic, I start by focusing on the radiator and radiator hoses.

 

The difference between those that know and those that don't. I recommend the factory coolant, yest it's expensive but how many time do you have to change it. The problem with coolant is if you mix the wrong kind in with yours, you could be in for thousands of dollars of repairs because some coolants interact poorly with other and become a jell like substance that cannot be flushed out, you would have to replace the heater core , radiator, hoses. Plus cogged passages in the engine, is it worth taking the chance, I think not. From a ASE master Technician.

 

Hi LJ,
When the car is shut off the radiator will pull coolant from the reservoir. Before starting the car open up the radiator cap and see if there is coolant in the top tank, if not then the cap is most likely bad. I was with you from the get go last time as were many others, don't go down the same road. Folks here wanna help but they don't all know the back story.

Save yourself stress and money by calling Your Mobile Mechanic again!
He treated ya right before and this issue is easier.

Have him tell ya what it needs.
Most mechanics will apply any labor they charge for diagnostics to the repairs.
He can take a quick look at it right there and a not even upset your landlord.

 

If the radiator is low and the coolant reservoir is low or empty you have a coolant leak, you need to have someone with the proper coolant pressure tool with the appropriate adaptor that fits your car they can also pressure test the cap to see if it's good, have them pressures test the vehicle. have you noticed coolant leaking on the floor?

 

@Chuy It DID go up to the H. I was stuck in traffic. I immediately turned off my engine and someone pushed my car to a side street, then I had it towed home. I can take more photos of the radiator hoses for you.
I do know a mobile mechanic, but he charges $60 hour which is waycheaper than the big shops. He works at his home also.
I guess he's the only one who can diagnose the possible things that could have damaged. I'm saving some comments into a document for him.
I really believe my cap is fine, but I'm no expert.
Should I get the full concentrated coolant or 50/50 mix? or Distilled water? If it leaks, I don't want it all over my apartment parking space. Should I get a bucket?

 

Interesting pics, in that you have red coolant in the reservoir, but the dry stuff on the radiator is bluish. And if no coolant is on the ground, It tells me the coolant loss may be internal. Fill up the radiator and turn on the engine. Check the engine as it warms up to look/listen for leaks.

Regarding the radiator cap, in the pic, I dont see it’s “lbs” rating. It should be about 13 lbs. If that cap has a higher rating, it will cause excessive pressure in your cooling system that could lead to leaks. First, find out what the rating should be for your cap.

 

@sdspeed Good to see your name pop up - you know the back story. I don't think my mechanic will come to me. But I can get some distilled water or coolant to get to his place so he can diagnose. How do you feel about me buying another cap from Autozone? I can take the bus there tomorrow. Should I get distilled water? A couple of gallons? He lives about 8 miles from me. I would need to make an appointment with him. He normally tells me to get the parts from Rock Auto and he replaces the parts. But I can ask him if he will see what I need.l I sure hope it's just the cap, even though the cap is quite new.

 

I wouldn't waste money on antifreeze or 50/50 coolant at this point, but you can get it for when it comes time to top off after the leak is fixed. Adding distilled water until the issue is resolved is what I would do if my car. Water is actually better at dissipating heat that coolant. Antifreeze raises the boiling point and lowers the freezing point of water, plus it has lubricant for the water pump, but there is no harm done adding just distilled water at this point. Besides, there is still coolant in the system, just not a 50/50 mixture.
Since you already have Toyota coolant (evidenced by the reddish coolant in the reservoir), you should stick with that when the leak is fixed. At that point, drain the radiator and top off with 50/50 Toyota coolant.

 

Something you can check is listen for the radiator fan to come on when the car is up to operating temp, also the fan should turn on when yu turn on the a/c .
I see the reservoir has coolant in it, so I'd just grab some distilled water and make sure the radiator is topped off and add a little to the reservoir if it needs it, remember there's markings on that new tank. The minor dilution distilled water will create is of no consequences in the climate your in and there's no need to buy more until the issue is resolved. Caps are fairly cheap so if a parts store is close grabbing a new one wouldn't hurt and should it need a radiator they don't usually come with them any way. A name brand like Stant would work, just don't try and change it if the car is warm. If he gives you a list we'll help ya with Rock Auto and get ya the current discount code too.

 

@sdspeed My Rock Auto cart is complete. Please help me with the discount code. I need any help I can get. I forgot what their shipping charges are too.

 

Hi Linsjean,

I see you are getting help in the other thread - just adding a +1 to contact the Mobile mechanic that helped you out w/ the repairs last time, that would be my recommendation to you.

re: leak, from the pics posted it is tough to say exactly "where" the leak is coming from, although it looks concentrated in the area of the upper radiator hose connection to the radiator.

The hose looks original (to me, anyway), and the hose clamp does also.

The upper radiator hose, it's connection to the radiator, and that hose clamp would be items I would be checking, if here.

If you need to drive the vehicle, you can add Distilled water and drive it a short distance to the mechanic, if necessary. Add the Distilled water when motor is off / cold, top off the radiator, replace the cap, start it up, and get it there quickly. (No need to let the vehicle "warm up" prior to beginning the trip.)

Any longer drive, say more than 10 miles or so, you should really refill w/ 50/50 mix coolant to the system, like Zerex Asian coolant. That brand is safe to use, I used it for years here. And it is available most Auto parts stores or Walmart in the Automotive section.

Hope this feedback helps you there.

 

@sdspeed AutoZone does have a the radiator cap 13 lbs. No distalled water. I guess I can get that at Walmart.
Canyou show me a diagram of the radiator fan? I did watch a Youtube video who was talking about that, and I didn't see anything going around and around under the hood, with or without the AC on.
I think my hoses look good, from my quick visual of it.

 

It's electric so you should've heard it. That would explain the heating problem. Hose looks good from the pic. Be sure and fill that radiator ! If you don't hear the fans tell your guy and if you have to drive it the 8 miles do it early while it's cool out and and if the temp starts to creep up park somewhere safe and let it cool for a bit and kinda hop scotch over to his place.

They make a fair amount of noise and with the hood up you can hear and feel them pulling air thru the radiator. Just don't get your fingers in there.
They are pretty reliable but a relay can go bad or even the fan but they aren't super expensive and not a difficult job for your guy. Rock Auto carries them if it comes down to it.

This is a replacement video, jump up to about the 3:30 mark and take a look, it'll at least show you what we're talking about. It's on the engine side of the radiator, you see the fan shroud right under that top hose. I thought it used 2 fans but it only has one wwith that engine.

 

I'm making my shopping list for Walmart Eugene SuperCenter on 4550 W 11th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402 because I have free delivery. So far, I put 2 gal of distalled water in my cart. Can someone go to walmart.com and find me coolant and they also have radiator caps. Please show photos so I can add to my cart. Please and thank you. You can even send me the link after you find the product like this:

http://goto.walmart.com/c/404739/56...11112222333344&subId1=autolinker&u=https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/15374715642

 

@sdspeed I see two cooling fans. Here's a pic. I turned on my engine and neither fan moved. I turned on AC and they never moved. Are these the fans you are talking about?

 

Yup, those are them, I thought it used 2 !!!
So with the car running not just turned on neither fan came on even with the A/C turned on?
If that's the case just tell that to your guy, it could be as simple as an electrical connection or relay ( fancy fuse). I understand the problem of working on it where you are but he can do a quick check on it where it sits. It will get hot again if they aren't running by the time the temp gauge is in the middle (before it red lines into hot).
Only one runs normally and the second one comes on with the A/C.

 

My guy is not the type of person to come over and "check things out". I would need to pay him for his time. Can you show me where the various relays and fuses are for me to check? I have a fuse puller kit with some fuses/relays. It lights up if it's good fuse. However, if I get the distilled water, he would check out things for me.

 

Call your mobile mechanic for $60 for an hour he will be able to find the root cause of your issue/s, have him bring over a coolant pressure tester and some distilled water. Last thing you need is to keep overheating the engine and creating more issues for yourself.

 

Call your mobile mechanic for $60 an hour he will be able to find the route cause of your issue/s, have him bring over a coolant pressure tester and some distilled water. Last thing you need is the keep overheating the engine and creating more issues for yourself.

I'm ordering distilled water online at Walmart right now. I get my "groceries" or anything sold at Walmart delivered to me for free. I need to go to him because no mechanical work is allowed here on this apartment property. One maintenance staffer told me "not allowed to open your hood". I told him BS, I'm only checking my dip sticks. l just don't want this back and forth thing going on where he needs a fuse or relay for the non-working cooling fans, etc. I'm getting a little overwhlemed here and I'm repcuperating from a fall I had at Walmart. I was on my way to Urgent Care today, then my car overheated.
What else should I order at Walmart for delivery tomorrow? Distilled water is cheap, so I'll get 2 gal. What about coolant, just to have on hand. What about this? See pic. And of course that would be used only after the problem is solved. I have no transportation.

 

Your radiator cap is also 1.1 bar or 16psi seems it should be a 0.9 bar 13 psi.

 

Shoot! Mac's Automotive put that on for me. Thanks for the info. Maybe Walmart has the right one.

 

Your MM can drive it off the property and do the checks, should not be that far to get it off the property.

For your coolant you want want Toyota red that appears to be Toyota pink do you have the info on what you bought before? Skip the Prestone.

 

@98LE2.2LCamryUS Yes, there is a school nearby, but Shawn (mechanic) has all the tools. Well, wait he's a mobile mechanic, so maybe he does travel equipped. I will send him off a text right now.
I don't remember what coolant I got before. I have none left over here. I mostly got ATF for my powering steering leak. When I go to Autozone, I will ask for Toyota red coolant when I get the radiator cap. I will have 2 gal of distilled water delivered tomorrow morning. I'm getting short of funds. My pay day is June 3rd. I'll make it. I need to pull out cash for him too.
I remember a time I almost sold this car. If this was all due to that wrong cap, then shame on Mac's Radiator Repair shop. I'm still thinking of getting a scooter. I have an appointment to get my bicycle tuned up for $100, but I'm going to cancel that for now I guess. I won't do another GoFundMe again.

 

@98LE2.2LCamryUS I have appt with Shawn mechanic on Monday. I will go to him (that's the way he wants it). I will have distilled water in my radiator, don't let the engine warm up and drive straight there.
Tomorrow, I will get the new cap for $15.99 and what AutoZone calls Asian Paint Pink coolant for $20. 50/50 mixture. I told Autozone about my cooling fans not turning and he said sounds like a damaged water pump. I might need a loan from my bank.

 

If your tight on funds skip buying more coolant until the problem is fixed.
The car has to get to operating temp for the fan(s) to come on, about 200F which just running in the parking lot would take some time. That cap is too much pressure so one rated at 13 PSI is correct as mentioned.
Water pumps aren't that expensive, An Aisin is about $30 bucks, that's what Toyota put on them, they're are even cheaper ones too, again Rock Auto. If that is the problem then the radiator would be fine and there wouldn't be that expense.
These are not difficult jobs and Shawn knows your situtation and It seems he worked with you before. Just don't go down another rabbit hole, it'll work out.

 

Sds you just made me feel a whole lot better. I will skip coolant for now . I have a neighbor who will take me to AutoZone tomorrow. I will get cap. I will have 2 gallons of distilled water delivered tomorrow morning . Good night. I'm in bed with a heating pad.

 

I thought I created a new thread here, but I can't find it.
My car overheated today. I stopped,turned off my engine, popped my hood and sawsteam coming out of my radiator. My radiator cap is quite new. I was reading where overheating could be due to lots of reasons, ie, fan, AC,relays, fuses, or the alternator and/or cap. Can you help me dignose or at least eliminate some possibillites? I will attach a couple of pictures. The steam cause a lot of white stuff on my engine. View attachment 488903
If I really need to go a short distance to a car parts store, can I add water or do I need distilled water or 50/50 mix in my radiator? I don't even know if my radiator is empty. The reservor is at the fill line.
Thanks!

Hairline crack on the radiator upper tank, to the left (passenger side) of the upper hose neck.