Yet another Overheating thread

[sportinh2o]

ok, I have read almost all the overheating threads and figure I'll just put mine down here for dissection as well.

89 3.0 Auto 245K

So the problem happens after about 10 high speed highway miles. The temp spikes and over i pull to refill the radiator. I have run the thing at high idle, low idle, no idle....no leaks. But after running it down the highway I'll have to put half a jug of coolant in. Also I have run at highway speeds with no issue to have the temp spike when I come to a stop (air flow keeping it cool I assume).

I have been told by Toyota that I have a cylinder that has low pressure. Could this be a head gasket issue too?

Thanks in advance for the replys.

 

[RedApe]

Tell tale sign of head gasket dumping water/coolant into cylinder head<s> cumbustion chamber is white smoke/steam out the exhaust and/or a sweet smelling odor to exhaust fumes.
In 12 years with my mini truck, I did it 3 times.
If this isn't obvious, when was th4e last time the water pump was looked at/replaced? I had one go on me on the 22R....no leaks but was losing water while I drove only. Parked, and no sign. Turned out to be the bearing on the pulley shaft was toast, and water would get by as it was...well....mostly spinning. This was a mech. fan, of course.

 

[sportinh2o]

Man that was quick. You hit the nail on the head. As soon as I started the truck it was puffing steam. I thought it was from the cold day, but it seemed unusually heavy and didnt subside very much. I guess next step is to pull heads and have them milled before reinstalling with new head gasket. Is there a brand on the gaskets that are better?

thanks again for the reply.

 

[RedApe]

Is there a brand on the gaskets that are better?

thanks again for the reply.

I went straight to the dealer for the gasket kit...it's one of those "only use Toyota OEM" areas that I like to stick by.

Yes, having the head's deck contact surface milled with 2-3 passes is highly recommended. If you can afford the time and effort, the deck surface itself is also a good idea....most people don't bother. If warpage occurs, 90% of the time it's the aluminum and not the cast that's warped.

Good luck!

 

[fourwd1]

Toyota developed an improved HG for the 3.slo, as have the aftermarket gasket makers.

 

[sportinh2o]

Excellent info. Thanks for the direction RedApe and fourwd1. I'll be greasy this weekend.