I have a '94 4Runner with the automatic 2WD V6 and it's recently been running a lot hotter than usual (according to the dash), but only on some occasions. Just before I changed my oil, it would sometimes heat up if I let it idle for too long, but would return to operating temp when I started moving again. Since I changed the oil, I can't get it to repeat the problem which I suppose is good, but worries me a bit.
Also, I found a puddle of coolant under my car last week, but there's still coolant in the reservoir and there have been no puddles since that day. However, I think I can smell coolant after parking the car.
I've read that the latter symptoms can mean a faulty water pump, but would that explain the occasional overheating? I was just about to take it in when it decided to stop acting up at all so now I'm just really confused...
Also potentially unrelated: I've started having to refill the power steering fluid almost monthly. Do you guys think this is just a simple leak or something else?
Any ideas?