New 03 Owner / No HEAT & Overheating, HELP!

[Aprils4Runner]

Thanks for all the replies & advice, helpful and otherwise.

My hubby, who is a diesel mechanic for Tyson, does know a bit something about repairing vehicles. I came here for your advice not because he was asking for help but because I realize how helpful forums can be as I was a long time member of TTORA.

On that note, it was the water pump - the impeller (sp) was broke. He replaced it topped off all the fluids and the heat is once again working, no check engine light and its not running hot.

THANK YOU.

 

[zerowkul98]

Did you check when your timing belt was replaced? Because water pump gets changed at the same time, and they don't usually fail before the TB needs to be replaced.

Replacing the water pump is NOT part of the 90k or timing belt service. You have to request it.

 

[Sungod]

Sounds like you dodged a bullet. That could have been a lot worse. I am really amazed that you had enough ice built up to snap the impeller, but didn't crack a water jacket or damage the fragile head gasket.

One last bit of advice. You should ask your husband what antifreeze he put back in. It is not a good idea to use the standard green prestone (or other brands) because they contain slicates. The toyota red is what should be used.

 

[Desert Fox]

Greast, very glad it was only the water pump and now you can enjoy your new ride. These 4Runners are really good vehicles although things happen. I have a new wheel bearing on my driver front wheel thanks to our last snow storm. I know my driving skills had nothing to do with it.


I hope you dont feel anyone was rude to you on the forum, i dont think there was any intent for that.

Overall people here are very helpful and friendly.

Glad you are up and running

 

[4RTenn17]

I don't think the "shotgun" troubleshooting method is best choice in this case. Your replacing a bunch of quality OEM parts with aftermarket crap and you don't even know whats wrong.

Did you check when your timing belt was replaced? Because water pump gets changed at the same time, and they don't usually fail before the TB needs to be replaced.QUOTE]

No time belt on the V6 - the V6 is a timing chain.

And aftermarket is not that bad - never had an issue myself.

Aprils4Runner glad to see you got everything working and hope it all keeps running smooth.

 

[TRDCal]

What you are saying regarding the timing belt applies only to a v8. She has a v6. (as evident in the picture she posted in another thread)

It is impossible to install the thermostat backwards. There isn't enough room to reverse it because you can't bolt it up. Even it the thermostat was installed incorrectly or was defective, you would still get heat since the thermostat only restricts flow to the radiator.

Ok my mistake, I shouldn't have assumed she had a V8. As for the thermostat it nice to know it's murphy proof, I've never changed mine. But I thought it restricts coolant flow through the entire system not just to the rad?

Replacing the water pump is NOT part of the 90k or timing belt service. You have to request it.

This is obvious now that I know she has a V6 which doesn't have a timing belt service.

I hope you dont feel anyone was rude to you on the forum, i dont think there was any intent for that.

Agreed, I'm bad for sounding short fused sometimes but thats not my intentions. In the end I'm just trying to help.

No time belt on the V6 - the V6 is a timing chain.

And aftermarket is not that bad - never had an issue myself.

Thanks for being the 3rd person to clearify that she has a V6, maybe reading the thread before commenting would be a good idea.

As for aftermarket parts, in my opinion it depends, some brands are better than others, but generally they don't hold a candle to OEM as far as durability (even if they have "Dura" in the name) and longevity. Think of it as, "you get what you pay for". Yes OEM parts are pricey but thats because they ensure your Toyota's reliability. If Toyota's left the factory with "Duralast" parts, I have a feeling they wouldn't have the same history as they do today. Sure, something like a lightbulb or brake pads go aftermarket, there so simple a monkey could built them. But when it comes to precise or vital components, I like to use OEM, it's my way of insuring I'll get many miles out of my runner. I'm speaking generally for all Toyota OEM parts, there is the rare occasion that they fail to meet our expectations (ie. V8 manifolds)

My reason is i've multiple Toyota's in my immediate family that are well over the 200,000mile mark and one even went to almost 390,000miles. OEM works for me, if you want to use aftermarket on your 4runner then good for you and who knows, maybe you have better aftermarket selection than I do. In the end "to each his own", if your happy with your runner, thats all that matters!

 

[Sungod]

Ok my mistake, I shouldn't have assumed she had a V8. As for the thermostat it nice to know it's murphy proof, I've never changed mine. But I thought it restricts coolant flow through the entire system not just to the rad?

Honestly the only reason I knew is because I saw a picture she posted on another thread that showed it was a v6.

If you look at your lower radiator hose you will see that it goes into the housing that contains the thermostat. Knowing that in the flow of things hot water enter the tops and cold exits the bottom. The thermostat end of the thermostat is on the block side of the flow. The bypass hose which allows coolant to continually flow through the block is what triggers the thermostat to open. It allows for the mixing of the heated coolant with cooler flow from the radiator. This keeps the thermostat from constantly opening and closing and allows for a more consistent temp flowing through the block. The heater core which sits inside the cabin is essentially a smaller radiator. It draws off the hot side of the flow and returns to the cool side past the thermostat.

Toyota is different than most manufacturers by putting the thermostat on the cold hose. Most put it on the hot side.