Cooling and the 3VZE
Mar 19, 2009 | 05:06 PM
#21
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 308
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From: Iowa
Aviator - this isn't about coolant relating issues. This is cooling related issues, or issues that arise because of lack of maintenance of the cooling system, particularly the head gasket. The Toyota red stuff, if done properly and complimented by replacement/maintenace of typical wear and tear cooling system parts (e.g. water pump, t-stat, rad, hoses, etc), is the proper stuff for our trucks. If you've had good luck with the Prestone good for you. I think I'm going to stick with my winning formula of having Toyota Red stock coolant put in my truck, by the best Toyota Master tech in all of Canada (which is the formula my truck has been the 3 times I've had the coolant changed in my truck since I've owned it).
Mar 19, 2009 | 05:48 PM
#22
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 519
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From: Florida
Dude, I'm about to do that. I had a coolant leak, finally figured out it was that petcock when I was under my truck the other day (It's never been loosened! It's a new radiator!) and hand turned it as tight as I could, but I think I'm still losing some...It also could have something to do with me crushing the top radiator pipe trying to get a hose on. I bent it back but yeah...Maybe another hose clamp will do the trick.
Mar 19, 2009 | 06:21 PM
#23
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 438
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From: Toronto
I had the recall done in '98 at around 90,000 km and then the driver's side blew in '05 at around 170,000 km. The failure came eight months after nearly overheating when a series of small coolant transfer hoses on the intake manifold kept blowing the past summer. I blame my driving with almost no coolant for a few kilometers on the failure (it was late at night, I was on a date, and was about to get lucky).
I don't think red coolant is that big of a deal. I believe it's the various ways the cooling system can develop leaks and the fact that the 3VZE's head gaskets are sensitive to overheating -- they don't tolerate much as did Uncle Wally's old 305 small block, for example.
I don't think red coolant is that big of a deal. I believe it's the various ways the cooling system can develop leaks and the fact that the 3VZE's head gaskets are sensitive to overheating -- they don't tolerate much as did Uncle Wally's old 305 small block, for example.
Apr 18, 2011 | 03:48 PM
#25
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Proper cooling temp gauge location on 3vze
Does anyone know where the temp gauge should be reading on the 3vze engine? Mine runs just under the halfway mark, and I just installed a downey desert core radiator with a new water pump...Should I be worried about getting it cooler?
Apr 18, 2011 | 04:44 PM
#26
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 438
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From: Toronto
The factory temp gauge is really just a elaborate idiot light. An aftermarket temp gauge gives an actual number -- 185-210 F is the typical range of a gas engine so I'd try installing one of those.
Apr 18, 2011 | 07:16 PM
#27
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: COTKU,Ontario,Canada
That sounds about right for this time of year... mid summer it should sit just over mid line give or take... ID think you'll be able to over cool it unless you live in AK or the NW/NE
Apr 18, 2011 | 07:52 PM
#28
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 23
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From: Boise
My runner is on the heart transplant waiting list. It's waiting for a suitable 3.4 heart donor.... and permission from the wife to spend the money. As far as coolant goes, I always kept mine topped off untill one day it all poured out of my oil drain plug. 
Apr 19, 2011 | 11:54 AM
#29
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Joined: Apr 2011
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To days after I installed a new radiator,water pump and thermostat, with "Wetter Water" and 60/40 distiled water to coolant ratio. Now it is running hotter then before, with the temp gauge past the middle... WTF!! Any idea what I might have done wrong??
Apr 19, 2011 | 05:26 PM
#30
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 438
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From: Toronto
Have you burped it? I jack up the front end to get the radiator fill neck the highest point in the cooling system with the heater temp selector on high and let it idle.
I'll check after this post, but I don't think Red Line Water Wetter is meant to be used with coolant -- just water and Water Wetter. Is that what you've put in? Red Line Water Wetter?
I'll check after this post, but I don't think Red Line Water Wetter is meant to be used with coolant -- just water and Water Wetter. Is that what you've put in? Red Line Water Wetter?
Apr 20, 2011 | 09:58 AM
#32
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From: Graham, WA
Apr 21, 2011 | 04:14 PM
#33
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 438
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From: Toronto
I checked the Redline site and you CAN use Water Wetter with regular coolant but it's got no antifreezing ability so it doesn't seem like the best choice for cold weather. Are you running the stock fan and shroud?
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