Howdy from Oregon

[runnergirl and dog]

hi guys. New to the group but have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time with ya'all. I'm on my 3rd Toy, 2nd Runner. I just picked up a '98 with the 3.4, 240k miles. I'm having an issue and was wondering if I can ask it here? Any guidance is much appreciated

 

[KidVermicious]

hi I'm having an issue and was wondering if I can ask it here?

NO.

Well, ok. But you might have better luck if you ask it in the 3rd gen section. Welcome to the site.

 

[MyHigh]

KidV is right, post up in the 3rd gen section
However with that being said, what's the problem?

Also, at the top of every page there is a Google search. 9times out of 10, others have had the same problem and you can find it by searching a couple responses to google, T4R is an awesome site it has a great member base and more then a few ( very!) knowledgable members, however FYI, some will send smart ass comments if you haven't searched for the problem yet, just ignore those SOB's and move on to someone willing to help.

Good luck, and welcome!

 

[runnergirl and dog]

Well MyHigh since you asked... After I purchased it for $4,500 miles, I took it on a hour or so drive tonight (drove 6 hours to purchase it and was dead set on buying it regardless) and the temp gauge moved about 1/8th of the way up. I turned on heater, which doesn't blow very hot, and it dropped back down. Heater off, back up to 1/8th. I get back to hotel, pop the hood and the radiator is cool to the touch. It runs like a dream with the exception of as squeak, which after research I believe is the throw out bearing.
Is my thermostat stuck open or do I possibly not have one?
I have 6 hours from home and need to get back asap, so no time to take to shop.... Unless it sounds like something detrimental. If not, I'd like to get it home and to my mechanic. Thanks in advance for any help

 

[runnergirl and dog]

Almost forgot... The radiator has recently been replaced. I asked if there was a reason and due to a language barrier, I was unable to understand, but his head shook no and he said "looked no good".

 

[MyHigh]

Well for starters I would definitely not drive it anymore!!!

Did the PO do the swap or did he take it to a shop?

I'm no expert, and I'm sure in the morning more people will respond and yes repost in the 3rd gen section now!
If the thermostat was stuck open then you would have a circulating system, thus fluid moving from engine through RAD. And the temp of the rad would get hot. So it maybe stuck in closed position.

Is it a auto?

If so check out "pink milkshake" in Google.
If not then disregard.

I say not to drive anymore because you do not want to blow a head gasket. Sometimes white smoke will blow out the tailpipe if you did, but it's had to tell now because it's so cold outside it could just be condensation from the tailpipe.
Next, your water pump could be shot, do you know the last time the water pump and timing belt were done?
Also if he did the swap, you might have a massive air bubble in the system

 

[MyHigh]

Just noticed you have a throw out bearing
So forget the pink milkshake
The 5-speed manuals dont get it

 

[mikekfr]

Welcome to the forum, IMO if there was no thermostat in it, there's no way the radiator would be cool after driving it. That'd be the first thing i'd try, replacing that. Keep us posted.

 

[runnergirl and dog]

Thanks guys, reposted in 3rd gen

 

[momo.75]

Welcome to T4R.ORG!....:hatsoff: