Intermittent Overheating Issue
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Intermittent Overheating Issue
Anyone here have an intermittent overheating problem on their trucks? I can't figure this one out as it doesn't seem to be a problem with the electric fan's operation. I originally thought that the controller unit had crapped out, but there's just no method to the madness which would lead to this inference (the fan's operation seems to have no effect on the overheating issue). This leads me to believe that perhaps the valve which cycles the coolant between the engine and radiator has failed - does this sound reasonable? Has this happened to anyone else, and is this a part which needs regular maintenance? Could there be something else happening here which I might have missed? Thanx....
#2
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Sounds like the thermostat is sticking. I would check that first.
Edit:
I just saw you have a 1st gen SC. Maybee someone else with a SC will chime in.
Edit:
I just saw you have a 1st gen SC. Maybee someone else with a SC will chime in.
Last edited by seaflea; 08-03-2004 at 07:57 AM.
#3
You mean the thermostat? Yes, there is a good chance it is failing. Other possibilities are:
Clogged radiator core
HG leak (external on this motor - have you checked the recall?)
Radiator cap
Have you actually checked the fans by turning the knob all the way to - when it is hot? They should kick on for sure. I doubt this is the problem as the fans have very little to do with the normal operating temperature of the motor, the thermostat controls the majority of that. Keep us posted.
Clogged radiator core
HG leak (external on this motor - have you checked the recall?)
Radiator cap
Have you actually checked the fans by turning the knob all the way to - when it is hot? They should kick on for sure. I doubt this is the problem as the fans have very little to do with the normal operating temperature of the motor, the thermostat controls the majority of that. Keep us posted.
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I had a thermostat where the support for the valve spring action was broken on one side. The thermostat still fuctioned but, only let about half of the coolant in. The results were it would run fine in city but on highway it would have a high tempeture. Like the guys said, start with the thermostat. Work your way up to the expensive repairs.
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Gulp... :pat:
Isn't that a sympton of the dreaded head gasket failure/recall? I recall my '90 experiencing water temp gauge spikes. I knew it was the head gasket when I found brown foam on the underside of my oil cap.
Isn't that a sympton of the dreaded head gasket failure/recall? I recall my '90 experiencing water temp gauge spikes. I knew it was the head gasket when I found brown foam on the underside of my oil cap.
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Originally Posted by bbeast
Anyone here have an intermittent overheating problem on their trucks? I can't figure this one out as it doesn't seem to be a problem with the electric fan's operation. I originally thought that the controller unit had crapped out, but there's just no method to the madness which would lead to this inference (the fan's operation seems to have no effect on the overheating issue). This leads me to believe that perhaps the valve which cycles the coolant between the engine and radiator has failed - does this sound reasonable? Has this happened to anyone else, and is this a part which needs regular maintenance? Could there be something else happening here which I might have missed? Thanx....
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My '93 Camry 3.0L does this too. I think it is the thermostat but I can't get to it . Check and make sure the radiator cap is holding pressure and that the radiator/hoses aren't leaking. I found a old-age crack in my radiator, replaced it with a 2-core and it got better for a few months - but now I think it's the thermostat.
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Originally Posted by Rick F.
Gulp... :pat:
Isn't that a sympton of the dreaded head gasket failure/recall? I recall my '90 experiencing water temp gauge spikes. I knew it was the head gasket when I found brown foam on the underside of my oil cap.
Isn't that a sympton of the dreaded head gasket failure/recall? I recall my '90 experiencing water temp gauge spikes. I knew it was the head gasket when I found brown foam on the underside of my oil cap.
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Originally Posted by Horseshoeing
Could it be a short in your wiring? Are you getting steam or is your temp gauge getting hot?
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Originally Posted by bbeast
...I can bring the temp back down to a normal level if I can get the truck up to at least a constant 30mph...
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