ladybugRC

Okay guys, another cooling system thread- I know. But here is what I have going on: 1987 22re with a new cooling system (radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses and a belt) a stock temp sensor and gauge that seem to be functioning properly and no indication that the motor is overheating at all. BUT... When I drive just long enough for the engine to really warm up and a few coolant cycles then shut it off and go put my hand on the hood- dang if it isn't hot as a mother! I've been considering buying an aftermarket temp gauge or replacing the factory sensor (I've read a lot to threads on some options) but I just don't think I'm overheating. If I pop the hood and feel in the engine compartment it doesn't feel terribly hot, and most of the heat seems to be at the back of the engine. The hottest part of the hood from the outside is about ten inches below the windshield (right above the exhaust manifold - which does not leak). I just have to know if this sounds familiar to anyone out there? I don't want to install an aftermarket temp or spend money for nothing. Any ideas?
Thanks! Joe

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Heat rises so it should be normal. You also have to factor in the sun. If my truck is in the sun I can't put my hand on the hood even with a cold engine. If your worried about it I would get an infrared thermometer the check the temps all around. Or the old method if touching the upper radiator hose works too

ladybugRC

Thanks Jason. I thought about the sun/weather- enough posts on here mention the climate that I considered it (I do have a red truck) and the hoses don't seem all that hot, it's not boiling over, but I can't shake the feeling something is wrong. Is an infrared thermometer something that is easy to get access to? Should a local shop have one? Maybe I'm just paranoid?

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

My dad has a inferred thermometer that he uses for his job (A/C). It's just a hand held one, harbor freight has them I think around 50 dollars. It would be good to have just for checking things. I use it all the time, just better then grabbing something hot with my hand lol

Scirocco16v

My truck does the same thing, plus black & in the sun... just added some vents.

Gamefreakgc

Unless your gauges are moving into the red, I would not be worried.

Other possible issues that could be causing it to run slightly hotter could be a long-term lean condition. That's could be due to clogged injectors, a failing VAFM, vacuum leak, etc. But I doubt that's what is going on. If you want a HOT engine compartment, try cramming a V6 in that engine bay, then you're hood is equally hot everywhere!

ladybugRC

Okay, thank you guys. I went for a good drive this morning, while it was still really cool outside, and after twenty minutes of driving I stopped, felt the hood and it wasn't too bad- I've just had so many issues with this thing overheating... I appreciate the input, I'm glad to know this isn't unusual- did I just never actually feel the hood all these years?? Now money can go into parts I KNOW I need.
Thanks again!

snobdds

You did all that work and did not put on a new Aisin fan clutch? Once that is on, then you can consider your cooling system new...

yotie

here you go.....

ladybugRC

Hey thanks! I will certainly consider this!
And snobdds, what is the benefit? Factory fan clutch not sufficient? My temp gauge never gets above the midway point. Should I be thinking about a new clutch?
Thanks once again to all of you!
Joe

snobdds

The fan clutch is considered a wear item due the fact the silicone in the clutch breaks down.

ladybugRC

I didn't know that, good to know, thanks. Probably a short list of non-wear items, eh? It makes my wife crazy to always be putting money into this thing, always replacing some part or another, but I can't imagine getting rid of it. It's my daily driver and the kids love riding in it. I had an '86 Toyota van when she and I met that I sold for $1000 after passing 350k on the original 22re. It's the only motor I'm interested in owning. And I have enough history with this 4runner now to not ever want to part with it.
Thanks.