luxdlx

Ok, after searching for hours, I come to you, my Mechanic friends.

I recently aquired a 94 Runner with the 3vze lump and while driving it home noticed it running cool. The gage only reaching the 1/4 mark. I think thermostat. I change the stat with the OEM part, refill coolant and run the engine. after running for 25 min. in 30 degree weather, it still doesn't get over the 1/4 mark. I shut it off. open the radiator and top off the fluid.

I start it, let it run for 25 min. with the heat on full blast (which gets plenty warm BTW) and still only get 1/4 way on the gage.

Now, at this point, the radiator is hot to the touch, but has no pressure as I can remove the cap without coolant squirting out and its full. I also dont seem to have any pressure on the top hose.

So, what gives?

MudHippy

Mine is like that too. About the 1/4 mark, or 1/3 when I run it real hard for a spell. I thinks it's normal operation for these engines. I know the gauge works and the cooling system is fully operational, so it don't worry me none. And by the way, running it with the heat on full blast will tend to cause it to run cooler not hotter anyways.

On the no pressure deal, that is a little odd. But if the coolant is getting hot in the radiator, then there's obviously no problem with it's flow through the radiator. Maybe you need a new radiator cap. Is the overflow tank now overfull? Also, you can run the engine with the radiator cap off 'till it's hot and have no pressure, it has to build up for awhile with the cap on before it'll come squirting out at ya. So what I'm saying is, if the cap's leaking it's never had an ample opportunity to buildup that pressure.

keithguts

I have a 3.0, and the temp is just below the half mark. I was told that this was normal.

luxdlx

I've had many yotas but this is my first 3.0. All the others have run normal right at the center of the gage. Something isn't right, but it seems to run ok.

thought I had air bubbles so i let it run today with the cap off for 30 mins. or so. Then drove around and no difference. Anyone know anything else to try?

hanksyota

well, running the heat is going to keep the temp low. but sounds like it is just at normal operating temp. i had a 94 22re 2wd that always ran super cool. i wouldnt worry too much. might swing it by a mechanic and have them shoot the laser temp gauge on the thermostat housing to see if the gauge is reading correctly.

keithguts

my friend has a 22re and his gage reads at a quater not half

luxdlx

Could it be that the gage is bad?

x-man

On my 3.0, my temp stays just under half way.

Squeebs

my 3.0 reads just under half.



but...



it only works when im turning left, the blinker is on, the fan is on the first power setting, and my dome light switch is set so its off even when the doors open.



funny, huh?

Squiddy

The 3.0 always run cool. The most my guage gets is 1/4, and since I put in anew radiator, about 1/8th! I talked to the radiator guy about this actually (before the change) and he's worked on a lot of 3.0's, and ALWAYS like this he says. The "no pressure" thing may be different -- either not running it long enough or it isn't pressurizing -- the latter would mean a bigass leak though?

MudHippy

Basically, from somewhere. That's why I asked about the overflow tank. If the cap isn't holding pressure, that's where the coolant's gonna go. Hard "leak" to detect that one.

A new cap is like $5 at NAPA. It'd be the first thing I'd try.

luxdlx

Not getting anything extra in the overflow tank. Maybe it is just the gage. Sure does smell hot after driving.

luxdlx

Still doesn't seem right. its ok for now, but I'm worried about summer. I dont want to run the 3.0 even slightly warm. Any other suggestions.

pete f

Mine is always at 1/4 on the gauge. Occasionally it goes to a 1/3 going up the mountain where I live but goes right back when I crest the top. When my thermostat went bad it went from 1/4 to just under half and kept doing that until I replaced the thermostat.