i am having an overheating problem with my 4runner (22re)

the gauge will go up to the top white line, it hasnt gone into the red yet. but the gauge used to stay in the middle. this is only on the highway, under 40 mph the gauge stays in the middle.

so i replaced the water pump, all belts, and thermostat. and none of that solved the problem. although now it dosent go all the way to the top white line but it gets close.

anyone have any ideas on what might be wrong?

 

did u flush the system out?

 

i drained it then refilled it, i didnt do the hose flush though or use the radiator flush mix.

 

its your radiator.

 

radiator looks like its in good condition and dosent leak at all. do they get cloged or what.

what makes you think i need a new radiator

 

most likely a clog, could be your temp switch too. i would flush the whole system out really good, pop off the thermo housing and lower hose to the radiator and stick a hose in the top and let it run for a few mins, than flush the radiator too, if nuthing comes out id change your temp switch

my 2c

 

is your radiator covered with mud? that will cause it.

 

Does the heat work, like blow hot air when it's over heating?
Are the coolant levels lower in the res or rad itself?

Maybe check the rad cap for cracks or worn seals. Get a toyota cap.

 

the radiator is clean, the heater blows hot air like normal, and there are no leaks in the system (including cap).

im pretty stumped ill try flushing it thurs. if that doesnt work then i guess il talk to a mechanic

 

Maybe the temp sensor or gauge itself has gone wonky? Pop the rad cap when it's cold, start it, and let it warm um. Then take a temp reading with a thermometer that can handle that kind of heat....like a laser one.

 

it seems like the gauge is working, because it is consistent, and when it shows it is running realy hot the coolant with overflow into the overflow resivour

 

my coolant moves in and out of the reservoir at normal operating temperatures. The way I understand it, liquid expands when heated, contracts when cooled. If it didn't have an outlet when your motor warmed up, you'd never be able to keep a gasket in the motor...Not meaning to be rude/act like a jerk. I don't see what coolant in the overflow has to do with overheating. Now if it's over-filling the overflow reservoir...that may be a sign

 

i just never noticed the coolant going into the overflow container untill the gauge said it was running hot and i checked it. so it could be normal

also where is the temp sensor for the gauge located, and is it cheap and easy to replace?