Whats up everyone.. Im new to the forum, and im hoping I can get some answers on whats going on with my truck.

Its a 1994 4x4 Pickup with the 3VZ-E engine. Well the problem I am having is the Temp gauge. After driving for miles and miles the Temp gauge just stays down right on the cool line. Only sometimes will it jump up to where it should be. I dont think it is reading right, because during the long commute home from work it reads on the temp gauge right on the C the whole way.. but when I get home the engine seems really hot. If you place your hand on the hood it is hot as hell. Also a few times it has read cool and I will get home and I can hear the water boiling in the overflow reservoir... Just the other day I was stuck in traffic and it started to rain a lil.. well my temp gauge was just buried down in the Cool mark like it has been doing, but as the rain was hitting the hood it was causing smoke, because the hood was so hot. Also in traffic the Fan sounds really really loud at acceleration, like its over working itself or something. When the fan sounds like that I think the truck is too hot, but the Temp gauge isnt reading hot. So is it a temp gauge sensor??? Thermostat?? The check engine light isnt on so I cant pull codes. The light does come on like once or week or so, but usually only for 5 to 10 min.

 

I would start by checking the temp sensor, here's the specs from the FSM. Check the resistance at different temperatures, and replace it if it's out of spec.
Sometimes the end in the coolant passage gets covered in corrosion and doesn't read properly. If that's the case you may be able to clean it.

 

Firstly, as you may or may not know, high temp is a killer on the 3vze.

I wouldn't drive it until I knew for sure what the temp actually is.

That having been said, what comes to mind is the coolant may not be circulating correctly.

A handheld temp sensor would be a big help. Just bought one several weeks ago... all kinds of uses, including the one you are dealing with. $41.

 

Check or have your thermostat checked. That was my problem a while ago; the bad thermo wasn't opening up when it should to allow coolant to circulate. good luck!

 

About the fan noise. The fan has a temperature controlled clutch. It engages fully when the engine temp. is high, and gradually disengages to slow the fan when the engine cools. It is probably running the fan at max speed and that's what your hearing.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.. Im gonna try a few things this week.

 

you could always install an aftermarket temp gauge, its really simple to do and is much more accurate than the stock gauge