KEB

I have a 1990 4runner sr5 V6 4x4 manual transmission with 346,000 miles. The truck starts fine but the temperature gauge takes 15 minutes (+ or -) to move. It doesn't matter what the outside temperature is and it only happens when the engine is cold. It also has a bad hesitation during acceleration during this period. Could this be the ECT sensor or sendor? Also, if I drive for 5 or so minutes get out and restart...the gauge comes up normal and engine runs fine...Thanks

z31freakify

i have the same problem the thing I did was put the OEM thermostat and ECT sensor with same result so I ended up covering half of my radiator with a card board and it helped I bet when you go on a long stretch of road your temp gauge starts to go down almost to a quarter way I bet you anything that thats whats happening to your rig

rworegon

KEB, is your thermostat stuck open? Is the engine coming up to temp ok?

KEB

I think the thermostat is working ok but not sure...i was really thinking it was in the sendor or sensor?

KEB

Yes the temperature reading does go to about a 1/4 reading when on the highway. I am unsure about covering some of the radiator though??

z31freakify

just make sure you cover half the radiator vertical from right to left all it will do is keep your temp just little under half just enough for your transmission to be shifting right,and had no overheating and i drive on some steep hills and tow alot of crap with my rig

Marc

If you live in Texas and you have to put cardboard in front of your rad to stop the temp gauge from going down I would check to make sure your thermostat is ok.

I drive at -30 without cardboard and my temp is fine.

z31freakify

oem thermostat brother the card board was the last resort and worked perfect

KEB

Thanks, I am going to try the OEM thermostat and possibly replace the small hose on the temperature manifold (it appears to have a small leak). I know the car is old with tons of miles but I have driven it for 21 years and it keeps on going!!!

rworegon

The probe on the temp sender to the gauge may have mineral deposits built up on the probe causing it to give strange readings. The ECT sensor may also have minerals built up on it. Some have wire brushed the minerals off with good success.

KEB

Thanks, I was thinking I might as well change the ect sensor and sendor while I am at it...

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

I found a thread the other day that mentioned that the ground wire by the drivers kick panel may need a good cleaning and tightening up the screws on the back of instrument cluster can fix it. I have fixed an erratic temp guage just by cleaning the sensor and getting the deposits of it.