1sennafan

My 89 4Runner "22RE" runs hotter on the highway than it does around town. I have a 180* thermostat in it and fresh antifreeze by my mechanical temp gauge (I think the gauge is a little off) it stays at 190* in town but when I'm on the highway it will run at 200* or 205*. As soon as I get off the freeway it comes right back down to 190*. Two things to note, I have an electric fan and a winch that blocks a large portion of the air flow into the radiator. I made an airdam to catch fresh air and funnel it into the radiator but that didn't cure the problem.
I'm wondering if it could be running to lean maybe?
Any ideas what is going on here?

RAD4Runner

Yes, your gauge could be broken like you suggested above.
And how do you get your degree readings from your mechanical gauge? I do not think the gauge does not have that resolution.

1sennafan

The gauge is a 270* sweep mechanical Sunpro and marked in 5 degree increments. It reads about 3-5 degrees hotter than my Non-contact infrared thermometer so its really close.
I just changed the T chain last weekend and the problem has started since then. I'm going to check the timing and valve lash again just to make sure they are correct. Maybe the radiator plugged up? But it was fine before.

RAD4Runner

Oh I see. Thanks for clarifying- not familiar with that gauge, that's why I asked.
Is electric fan controlled by a thermostat or does it stay on as long as engine is on? Could that switch or wiring have been disturbed when you worked on T-chain?

1sennafan

The fan is on a thermostat set to 200*. I can hear it kick on at a red light now and then but with the road noise I can't hear it at speed. I did tighten the Alt/WP belt it had stretched so it was a little loose but have not road tested it yet.
With the Non-contact infrared thermometer I get a few hot spots in the radiator, to me that suggests its blocked at those points? Before the T chain I did a coolant flush and while the radiator was out I stuck a hose in each of the 3 outlets to clean it out and back flush it. Maybe some crap moved around and lodged in several tubes?

RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

OP, I have a similar setup to you: efan, winch, aftermarket mech temp gauge.

I regularly see temps of 210-220 on the highway if its warm out and I am running AC. I have my fan switch set at 210. The factory temp gauge does not come off the happy zone until 230. Frankly I would not worry about it at all!

1sennafan

I found the Radiator to be leaking along the bottom seam so I'll be calling some repair shops tomorrow or maybe just order a new?
I have heard good things about CSF, has anyone used a CSF Radiator #2055?
I found one new for $199.50 shipped.

MaK92-4RnR

Operating temperature for MOST vehicles is 190, just fyi. ( my 3vz and my 4.6 ford v8 both run 190 on a regular basis )

a higher temperature on the freeway can sometimes be normal. Sure, more airflow. but what's your 22re revving at 65 mph? my 3vz occasionally hits 200 on uphills and revving out. but even on hot California summer days, floats around 190-195 on a straight road. Around town, mid day, I'd say it floats around 185 ish

RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

CSF is a fine brand.

e-hut7

i would say radiatorbarn.com but they were recently purchased by getallparts.com since then I have been looking on amazon and ebay. If you find a solid place to buy radiators from please let me know. Good luck!