1st gen overheating problem

[Baker11]

I bought my 85 about 2 months ago and the other day I noticed it was overheating I ended up having to add coolant and it was fine after that, but I went ahead and parked it any way. I didn't notice any of the coolant hoses or the radiator leaking anywhere which makes me fear it is the head or head gasket. I just lost my job last week and can't afford to take it anywhere at this point to see what is wrong so I wanted to ask if any of you may be able to tell what you think.
Thanks,
Michael

 

[Baker11]

The previous owner had the radiator flushed the day that I bought it.

 

[KidVermicious]

Before you go borrowing trouble, run it. See if it's still losing coolant or overheating. Smell the exhaust. Check the plugs. Look for dried crusty coolant around all the hose fittings. Look for lots of pasty white crap under the oil cap, or a rainbow slick floating in your radiator.

There's lots of things to look at before you freak out.

 

[illzoni]

My '87 with 22re loses a bit of coolant. I carry a spare bottle. So long as I keep it full I have no issues. I have, however, had the temp gauge creep up when low.

 

[Baker11]

thanks fellas I will check everything out and report back.

 

[Baker11]

I added coolant Friday and it dropped back down to normal, but I haven't really driven it since.

 

[4runnerBrett]

Definetly dont freak out yet, carry some extra coolant and just keep an eye on it.

 

[Baker11]

I checked the oil cap, no white around the seal, ran it for a little bit and no rainbow in the radiator and the exhaust doesn't smell any different than normal it has burned a little rich since I bought it. Noticed I have developed an exhaust leak but other than that I can't tell a difference and it seems to be running fine and not hot.

 

[rlpjw1959]

I had a similar problem. Ended up being water pump.

 

[Baker11]

Ok was it just a small leak in the water pump?

 

[KidVermicious]

I checked the oil cap, no white around the seal, ran it for a little bit and no rainbow in the radiator and the exhaust doesn't smell any different than normal it has burned a little rich since I bought it. Noticed I have developed an exhaust leak but other than that I can't tell a difference and it seems to be running fine and not hot.

My guess is that you've got a tiny tiny leak somewhere, and your coolant level dropped over time. You don't have any of the common signs of gasket or timing cover failure, so I think you're ok. Carry a jug and keep an eye on your temp gauge, you should be fine.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Might be silly obvious, but, was it really hot the day you were over heating, we're you in traffic? I trailed with a bunch of new FJ cruisers a couple of weekends ago in very hot weather and even 3 of them were starting to over heat. Are the radiator fins clean or packed with dirt?

 

[rlpjw1959]

Water pump would be good for awhile and then leak. Some times a little and other times more. Replaced the pump and All was good. Not saying this is your problem but it was for me...and seen a lot of other guys on the forum that had same problem.