Hey guys, after running several searches on my topic I had only one question. The motor is a 22r (82 SR5 4x4) with an overheating problem only on the freeway. It's got plenty of coolant and there's no leaks. Around town and in traffic it's fine. Does this sound like the fan clutch? How can I know if it is? Thanks -Lance

 

you sure the radiator is not plugged ?

 

Bad fan clutch would lead to overheating during slow/stopped driving. At speed, likely a partially clogged radiator, identical thing happened to my '85, overheated at speeds > 65, temps > 80 or at engine RPMs > 3500. New 3-row radiator and all is well:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4Runner.shtml#Engine

 

plugged radiator? That's one I've never thought of (or heard of). How can I tell if it's plugged?

 

Look inside, see if the passages gave deposits in them, especially at the bottom hose fitting (drain coolant of course). Or get the engine hot, then mist the front of the rad. with wather and see how it evaporates. If there are areas that stay wet after the rest dries may indicate a section that is not getting flow. Or run your hand or an infrared thermometer over the rad to see if there are any cool spot. Or have a shop pull the tanks off and inspect it.

 

Not to dismiss all the help here, but I just got off the phone with a shop in Fairfield who will sell me an OEM type aftermarket radiator for $110. Maybe I should just go with that?

 

Yes, I have a 1993 4x4 v6 5speed. It is overheating too . In the driveway, after about 10 min. to warm up. No heat from inside heater blower. Replaced radiator. Flushed engine with garden hose. Filled with water. Still get hot and boils over. What do you think it is? Also found a small black rubber square gasket (all puffy now) inside the new radiator .

 

Do you hear any gurgling sound from the dash when the heater valve is open and the engine reved? If so, might be a minor HG leak. You could pressure test the cooling system (looking for a pressure rise with engine RPM/load) or run a chemical test kit on the coolant looking for exhaust gas contamination to confirm.

 

try a thermostat first before you drop $$$ on a new rad you don't need

 

Tried to remove the Thermostat. The thermo. connection has three studs with nuts. Need to go out and buy a deep socket (12mm) I know its 12mm . Studs stick out so far that the regular socket won't engage the nut. Soaking with PB now. Hope its the thermo. A quick fix would be great. Wish me luck! If its not the Thermo. then could it be a head gasket? Saw an ad for some type of liquid that fixes the head gasket. Claims that all you do is pour it in and start the truck. Can anyone tell me if this stuff works????? Need feedback on this before investing $40.+ for the bottle! Just had bad storm here. Unable to work on truck! Got the deep socket (12mm). Maybe I can get it out today! Sunny out but 35F. Hope its the Thermostat. Has anyone tried that head gasket liquid? Was it successful in replacing the gasket? Sounds too good to be true!

 

I never have taken an engine apart. If my truck needs a head gasket can I do it in the driveway? I have most tools & sockets (metric) Torque wrench too. I know I prob. have to get the head? milled too. Then a new gasket. I have no Idea where to begin. Is there any written stuff I can get so I can do this without screwing it up? The most I have done is motorcycle clutches, alternators, recent radiator in the truck, all in my driveway! Any help will be deeply appreciated as I have no wheels right now. Truck runs great, but gets hot! I'm thinking 55 gallon drum of water in the bed, hooked up to the radiator, that should keep it cool enough. Just joking mates! Help! Triumphman. 1-13-11

 

For just a head gasket job, you should be able to get by with a Haynes or Chilton manual for instructions, and it can fairly easily be done in a driveway. The torquing sequence and numbers are probably the most important steps, both with the head and the intake, so at the very least get those from the reference of your choice, and label stuff as you take it apart, you'll do fine.

 

If you're not losing coolant, and if there is no oil in your coolant or vice versa, then your head gasket is fine. My money is on a clogged radiator or a bad thermostat.

 

X2^

Also, look on your dip stick and top of the oil fill cap, or inside of radiator (full), or bottom of radiator cap. if there is a milky color (from oil and water mixing) on any of these, then your HG is "blown" as they say. If you do not see any milk, and you are not losing oil or radiator fluid, then your HG should be fine.

Try a radiator flush, and replace your thermostat for $20, before even considering HG. Be sure to burp your radiator after the flush.

Good Luck!