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?

Ran in to the same problem replaced the fan and that took care of the problem. Also i have the powersterring leak problem my is coming from the the line going into the pump see if your pump is covered in fluid

was your fan not moving? I'm pretty sure mine is working at the moment (you are talking about the one right behind the radiator right?), though it's also not overheating anymore. Currently, it doesn't even overheat while sitting idle with the a/c running. It's like it heard me complaining and decided to work for a few days =\

Get your cooling system presure tested.
If there's any problems it should show up.


And if you're refilling the PS resevoir monthly there is a problem.
Look for a leak.