New Member, old problem cooling issues

[starkmojo]

The car 88 Toyota EFI 4cyl 289K miles

Engine runs to just under the redline on startup. Engaging the heater will alleviate this problem. The car has done this for the last 40K miles.

The issue is since I had the engine rebuilt it has been overheating on long grades uphill. replaced the fan clutch has made the issue better, but still running over halfway on the temp gauge on long grades.

Had the cooling system checked and other than the fan clutch (which they replaced) they gave it a passing grade.

so what else can cause overheating?

 

[starkmojo]

update

so this AM the expansion tank was above the "low" mark but above the "full" mark when cold, so I added water to the "full" mark and try as I might I cannot get it to overheat.

It still does that thing of running up the temp when cold...

I didnt think to check the water level because it was at a cooling fluid level because I had the cooling system checked yesterday at a shop and figured to they would check the fluid level... wierd.

 

[the_dingman]

It sounds like the thermostat is sticking. I'd replace it... You're talking about a $10 part, and very little work to replace.

 

[Savage]

thermostat? I've even had new ones be bad...

 

[AK Kilted Guy]

Yep, change the thermostat, see what happens. It can't hurt.

 

[the_dingman]

thermostat? I've even had new ones be bad...

That usually only happens if you put them in upside-down. :

 

[03vrod]

I prefer the fail safe brand.when they fail they're open instead of closed.You're heat won't work as well but it won't overheat either

 

[Vern]

Funny. My 88has about 5,000 miles less than yours and I just started having the same problem. We put in a new water pump, hoses, t-stat. Temp was good but was still leeking down the side of the block. Checked out the raidator cap and it was .9 instead of 13. It's holding fluid now. But on the first few miles of a drive, the temp shoots way up then drops back down. It happens a few times then levels out. It seems like the
T-Stat but I'm not sure why it only happens the first few miles. When ever I've added coolent it only takes about 2 cups

 

[maxjlone]

Hi, looks like I got the same problem with Reserator1 V2. The water stops in the CPU-block, and there are small blue dots in the tubes. The blocks and tubes are covered inside by something blue. I haven't opened the CPU-block because of the warranty. I suspect that the anti-corrosion coolant cause the problems.

 

[03vrod]

Here's a trick a old mech told me when I started 30years ago drill a small hile in the thermostat before installation this will ensure you get all the air out when filling.

 

[90toytruck.]

ck the t-stat and my want to have radiator rotted and cleaned

 

[Vern]

Hey all Found the problem. Upper radiator hose was collapsing. The Hose put on by the last owner was new as he said however it was missing the spring. Ahh.. key part in keeping the water flowing dude.
Advanced only had the new flex hoses in stock. I have to say I not that big of a fan. It does not fit well. It's just barely long enought and makes a very tight fit for vent tube that goes from the air filter to the injector housing.
But I drove to work with no over heating. Sweet! Hope this help out the original poster.