One_96TR4

Ok well I overheated the truck saturday night. I managed to catch it just before it hit the red line but this is the second time in 4-5 months. The first time I wasn't driving. My brother had the car and it went over the redline for a min or so . This was back in jan, early feb. Since the first episode I just topped it up and it never gave me a problem until saturday evening. I should probably mention I was out in the mud saturday evening when this episode took place. I thought the rad may have been clogged but it was clean and free and fine after I let it cool down and started it back up. Anyhow I noticed a while back the my coolant would slowly disappear over time. When I say slowly i mean like a quart maybe every 6months or so prolly even longer than that. I never really though much of it so I left it alone. I mean I check for leaks but never found anything. So anyways now I'm thinking saturday's occurance may have done a little damage, headgasket wise. Now I plan on get a leakdown test and compression test done tmw or tuesday, whichever day I can get it down.

I'm trying to figure out whether I should do a HG job it necessary or just swap the motor. I can get a motor locally with an auto tranny for 600bucks. The seller claims it only has 100k but it's already out of the truck. Says it came off a 99limited. So I go this route instead? Also Will the auto motor work on my 5spd tranny. I'm sure it would but a few have said the auto motors won't accept the pilot bearing for the clutch. I have no ideal on this.

Ohh and I should say that since sat. No overheating or even fluctuations in the temp. Engine runs great and there is no smoke or noticable scent from the exhaust. My coolant does smell a little weird though so that kinda through me off a little. I was thinking maybe it could be due to the overheat? Don't really notice and oil in the coolant though but it's not that deep red that toyota red comes in (I'm running toyota red). has kind of a brownish look, kinda like some rust mixed in if that makes sense. I also notice on the top of the rad neck a rust colored stain in the top. Anyone have any advise or suggests here?

SoCalPaul

I'd start by flushing the coolant & replace the radiator cap. You probably have a slow leak through the cap. Get or rent a pressure tester & test the cooling system.

Paul

ARB1977

If you want to know for sure if you have a issue get a oil analysis done. It will tell you if you have water in your oil or not.

sseaman

There could be an issue with the thermostat sticking

One_96TR4

Well I've been a little caught up with some other stuff for the last 2 days. Tmw I will Get a coolant system test and hopefully all checks out. I'll also be fushing the system and changinf the thermostat and cap. I'll keep you guys posted.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

when was the water pump changed last? or has it ever been replaced? they tend to weep after a while