Just purchased 6 hours from home... Can I drive it??

[runnergirl and dog]

Hi guys. '98 3.4 4x4, 5 speed, 245,000. After I purchased it for $4,500 miles, I took it on a hour or so drive last night (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. The PO and I had a language barrier, and when he pointed out the radiator had been replaced, I asked if there was an issue, he shook his head no and best I could tell he said "it didn't look any good"... It runs like a dream with the exception of as squeak, which after research I believe is the throw out bearing. The clutch feels exactly the way it should.

Any idea? Is my thermostat stuck open?

I am 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

 

[mxer]

Edit:

reread it and it's running cold not hot. Just drive it home

 

[white_n_slow]

Bring a new thermostat, drain pan, jug of coolant and a bag of tools and change it out there.

I have run with a broken thermostat (water temp read 0 or low) for maybe a couple weeks before fixing and as far as I know it didn't cause any long-term issues, but as long as you've got everything you need, you could change it out pretty much anywhere. My vote would be the seller's driveway

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Bring a new thermostat, drain pan, jug of coolant and a bag of tools and change it out there.

I have run with a broken thermostat (water temp read 0 or low) for maybe a couple weeks before fixing and as far as I know it didn't cause any long-term issues, but as long as you've got everything you need, you could change it out pretty much anywhere. My vote would be the seller's driveway

+1 :amen:

 

[gamefreakgc]

Running cold has no serious issues. Don't worry about it, drive it home and just monitor the temps. Chances are whoever changed the radiator removed the t-stat.

Running cold will just result in less than desireable fuel economy and no heat. Eventually though it will warm up if you're on the highway. However, be prepared to deal with overheating issues if you put one back in. Usually if the t-stat is missing they did it to avoid dealing with an overheating problem.

 

[Panda96]

Bought mine with a new radiator tstat as well.....oh it didn't overheat just had a leak etc etc from the PO.

$1600 later and a blown HG.

Hope yours is good but just be ready. All I'm saying.

 

[Ghostrider]

You probably should have a mechanic do a general check. Not for the t-stat but so you have a list of to-do's. On a higher mileage truck there will be a few things that need attention.. These trucks are pretty bulletproof with some love. I would quickly make sure that there is a new radiator and that they replaced the transmission hoses to the cooler in the radiator. Search for the pink milkshake problem. Good news is doing a few quick items in advance avoid it and other issues

 

[JoeBand]

You probably should have a mechanic do a general check. Not for the t-stat but so you have a list of to-do's. On a higher mileage truck there will be a few things that need attention.. These trucks are pretty bulletproof with some love. I would quickly make sure that there is a new radiator and that they replaced the transmission hoses to the cooler in the radiator. Search for the pink milkshake problem. Good news is doing a few quick items in advance avoid it and other issues

the OP said it's a 5spd, so no worries about the pink milkshake.

 

[RussToy]

Sooooo.............did you get home?? If so, how did your new rig run? Any problems other than running cold? You have to let us know...also, welcome to the 4Runner community!! :wave: Just a heads up...4Runners are like a drug. Before you know it...you'll be addicted to it! Addicted to doing DIY maintenance and performing mods at all hours of the day/night!! :jump:

I hope you had a safe and un-eventful trip home...

Russel