Bad_Bowtie_ssz71

Just picked up this 88 4runner a couple of weeks ago. Had to change the alternator a few days later, so I had to remove lower radiator hose. After that I noticed it would almost redline every time I would drive but would drop down to normal temp right before redline. I checked the fluid level one day and the system seemed to burp. Since then the tempgauge has risen half way and dropped back down like it should. Now today while sitting in a drive thru the temp starts climbing. As soon as I get out on the road it goes back down. Done this several times. Any ideas? Maybe just need burped again. I did have a rough idle a couple mornings this week when I first crunck it. But no other HG signs. Thancks in advance for any help.

swampfox

Might be more air in the system or a fan clutch going bad.

Bassmastry101

iTrader: (1)

Mine did that a lot before the rebuild. I went with a few small hardline gauges just to be safe. Might be something to look in to just to make sure of the temp.

griffinleather

could be air pockets in the head or block. The only time I have had that kind of thing happen was with an MR2. But thats because the cooling system travels from the front to the back where the engine is. There is a bleeder valve on the block that had to be opened to release air traped in the block and head.
But not sure thats the problem though. I would look at replacing the temp sensor unless you know how to use an meter to check the resistance in the sensor and the gage.

Bad_Bowtie_ssz71

Thancks guys, gonna try to burp it good tommorow. It was a little(very little) low on antifreeze but looks like it pushed it into the puke jug. Picked up a 192 degree thermostat also. May drill a small hole in it and try that as well, but the heater was blowing HOTT so I dont thinck it could be the thermostat?

Bad_Bowtie_ssz71

Well its run good for the last couple of weeks. Only problem has been when sitting still the temp would climb sometimes, and a horrible cold idle last 2 mornings. Just ordered a fan clutch cause mine is toast. Then this morning the HG let loose after about 30 min of driving. Started bellowing white smoke and running like shat. #4 cylinder is full of coolant. Hopefully fix this week, gonna do the timing chain as well, while Im that far in.

ToyoTech559

does it only get to the red at idle and not moving? does it cool better while driving? another thing u might wanna look at and i have seen happen before is a loose belt. even if it doesnt make any noise i have seen loose belts causing cooling issues

Bad_Bowtie_ssz71

Yeah it cooled better while driving, up until last nite. We went thru a drivethru where temp raised to about 3/4s+ up. Even with the cool nite air and driving at hwy speeds it stayed 3/4 way up. This morning it didnt want to run at first then straightned up after about minute.I did notice for the first time a VERY small puff of grey smoke that most people would have never seen. After that it run good. Temp run up to just over half, thermostat opened, dropped to 1/4. Ran great for 20 minutes. Pulled into driveway and started missing and white smoke rolling from exhaust. I let motor cool down a litle while, then tried to restart. Wouldnt even turn over because coolant filled the cylinder up. Pulled the back plug and crunck it, blowed water everywhere. Even now there is no signs of coolant in the oil.

EDIT: previous owner said he was a mechanic. I guess I should have know something was up when I got a slick 88 4runner for $2100, when most in that condition are $3500+ around here. I would bet he done a compression check and knowed something was up. He said he done a complete tune-up and cooling system flush recently.