New to me 4runner temp gauge fluctuating

R

robhurlburt

New member
Just brought home a 2007 SR5 with 55k on it. didn't notice this on the test ride but the temp gauge will fluctuate quite a bit. I am guessing it just needs a new thermostat, and it couldn't hurt to change the coolant in it also. it runs dead center, and then every now and then it will run up to 3/4 or a bit more to the read zone, then after 30secs or so it will drop back down. I am guessing its just being lazy. I bought the car as-is so i doubt the dealership would do anything for me.

Any other ideas?

Is this the correct t-stat?
Amazon.com: Stant 48778 XACTStat 180 Degrees Fahrenheit Thermostat: Automotive

Is this the correct installation for the motor? i know the picture is a FJ, but i think its the same motor:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/FJ/RM/RM0240U/Cooling.pdf
 
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It could be a bad t-stat, but that really sounds like some air pockets. You get those odd spikes as a air pocket moves through the engine?

Maybe make sure your coolant is full and burp it.. it is the easier job. If that isn't it, then you can move to the more time consuming things.
 
DC runner said:
It could be a bad t-stat, but that really sounds like some air pockets. You get those odd spikes as a air pocket moves through the engine?

Maybe make sure your coolant is full and burp it.. it is the easier job. If that isn't it, then you can move to the more time consuming things.
Click to expand...

how do u burp the system? IIRC the system is self purging, but i could be wrong. i wiil check the coolant level in the AM.

also, what type of coolant does it take? is it the orange (dex-cool) or green stuff
 
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Touche, you are right. Just sounds like air pockets... but it could be something else.

Usually a faulty Tstat is either stuck open or close... a tstat of the incorrect temp, but was operating correctly, would be opening at the wrong times...

A for coolant, Toyota has super long life coolant. Goes 100k. It is the "pink" stuff and it is worth every penny.

That said, I was told by them: Use what you want, just don't mix... as each company has a different makeup and different blends might not mix well. So if you have pink in it, go to Toyota and pick up some.
 
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Tstat, coolant or debris in front the the radiator. Take the little plastic clip things off the plastic piece off the front of the truck, and the plastic cover that covers the top of the radiator, you'll see the indentions for a pocket screw driver (falthead) just pry up on both sides, and one all of them are up and out just pull up on the plastic piece and you can clean in front. (Youll have to open the hood obviously ) Also take a pressure washer (at a do it yourself carwash) and pressure wash the radiator and a/c condensor. Could be bugs/ dirt in the front of the road. Just some things ive seen before and done to other peoples cars. Also check to make sure the serpentine belt is tight and in good condition (do cracks, etc). Also check the rad cap.
 
DC runner said:
Touc
Usually a faulty Tstat is either stuck open or close... a tstat of the incorrect temp, but was operating correctly, would be opening at the wrong times...

A for coolant, Toyota has super long life coolant. Goes 100k. It is the "pink" stuff and it is worth every penny.

That said, I was told by them: Use what you want, just don't mix... as each company has a different makeup and different blends might not mix well. So if you have pink in it, go to Toyota and pick up some.
Click to expand...

yeah, mixing coolants is a no-go without a proper flush which i have no desire to do. Pink stuff? First toyota, first time i have heard of this, thanks! there is no alternative that can be bought at a parts store?

I did have a similar issue with a jeep cherokee that i owned once, temp gauge was very erratic, a t-stat fixed that. we'll see though, a 'yota is a different beast :)
 
There may be a store version, but I am not aware of one. I say just grab a jug from the dealer. It is ultra long life, so it is hearty stuff.
 
robhurlburt said:
filled it up and its overheating. no heat either. going to try a new t-stat.

just picked this thing up yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Where'd you buy it? Did you have a mechanic look it over before you bought it? Sounds like you might need to be in contact with whomever you bought it from.
 
No heat...

Have you checked the water pump? Are you physically able to get pressure feedback if you grab the upper return line?

You should be able to feel the pressure from the pump...

Yea. I would be a bit irritated at the dealer.
 
jimithing said:
Where'd you buy it? Did you have a mechanic look it over before you bought it? Sounds like you might need to be in contact with whomever you bought it from.
Click to expand...

kelly nissan in cincinnati. i didn't have a mechanic check it over, they said they do a 100+ point inspection on all vehicles
 
DC runner said:
No heat...

Have you checked the water pump? Are you physically able to get pressure feedback if you grab the upper return line?

You should be able to feel the pressure from the pump...

Yea. I would be a bit irritated at the dealer.
Click to expand...

i can feel the upper line getting hot and i can feel some fluid bubbling in there
 
got home form work, went inside to get changed for gym, came back out and there was a puddle of coolant sitting under it. looks like it blew out of the top of the radiator cap as the sticker on top of it was squishy. finally got in touch with a sales manager who was apologetic and is looking into the situation.

little did i know that coolant dries white, because i would have noticed the return radiator hose is white, probably a spot the detailer didn't clean on the engine from the PO having these problems. i guarantee the exact same issue i am having. overflow tank was down to the low line and i know i filled it to full yesterday.

what a fcking nightmare.

:toilet:
 
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