97 3.4 overheats
07-15-2010, 09:59 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
97 3.4 overheats
Hey Guys!
I am new to this site and have spent most of the day doing research on overheating problems and solutions. A LOT OF INFO! This place is awesome.
Anyway, I am looking to buy a 97 4wd 3.4 4runner. Problem is it overheats. The owners have replaced head gaskets(heads re surfaced), water pump, t-stat, timing belt, plugs and wires, radiator and had the cooling system pressure tested. I have not taken a look at it in person yet. I want to be prepared with a plan of attack and figure out this problem. Where and how do you experts think I should start to diagnose this problem and hopefully get a screaming deal and a clean 4 runner? Or should I just walk and keep looking?
All help and advice is greatly appreciated.
I am new to this site and have spent most of the day doing research on overheating problems and solutions. A LOT OF INFO! This place is awesome.
Anyway, I am looking to buy a 97 4wd 3.4 4runner. Problem is it overheats. The owners have replaced head gaskets(heads re surfaced), water pump, t-stat, timing belt, plugs and wires, radiator and had the cooling system pressure tested. I have not taken a look at it in person yet. I want to be prepared with a plan of attack and figure out this problem. Where and how do you experts think I should start to diagnose this problem and hopefully get a screaming deal and a clean 4 runner? Or should I just walk and keep looking?
All help and advice is greatly appreciated.
07-16-2010, 05:18 AM
#3
Registered User
Sounds like they have already replaced everything cooling system related.
You did not mention hoses... so maybe the lower radiator hose is collapsing?
The coolant passages in the engine could be clogged.
Ask if they used the right temp thermostat? Check the radiator cap?
Or maybe a long shot but there could be exhaust issues (partially clogged Cat) causing heat to build up in the exhaust system and thus the engine????
Did they change the head gaskets due to overheating? Or did it start after the HG change. Maybe they put them on wrong and blocked the coolant passages on the head????
It could also be a faulty gage. need to check the real temp not just what the gage says.
You did not mention hoses... so maybe the lower radiator hose is collapsing?
The coolant passages in the engine could be clogged.
Ask if they used the right temp thermostat? Check the radiator cap?
Or maybe a long shot but there could be exhaust issues (partially clogged Cat) causing heat to build up in the exhaust system and thus the engine????
Did they change the head gaskets due to overheating? Or did it start after the HG change. Maybe they put them on wrong and blocked the coolant passages on the head????
It could also be a faulty gage. need to check the real temp not just what the gage says.
Last edited by Innervision; 07-16-2010 at 05:44 AM. Reason: added more thoughts
07-16-2010, 05:24 AM
#4
why does it overheat ? is it the indicator saying itis hot or does it
actually fill up the overflow tank
automatic transmission ? check ATF fluid for coolant
stay away from anything that overheats, very bad omen
actually fill up the overflow tank
automatic transmission ? check ATF fluid for coolant
stay away from anything that overheats, very bad omen
07-17-2010, 07:37 AM
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds like they have already replaced everything cooling system related.
You did not mention hoses... so maybe the lower radiator hose is collapsing?
The coolant passages in the engine could be clogged.
Ask if they used the right temp thermostat? Check the radiator cap?
Or maybe a long shot but there could be exhaust issues (partially clogged Cat) causing heat to build up in the exhaust system and thus the engine????
Did they change the head gaskets due to overheating? Or did it start after the HG change. Maybe they put them on wrong and blocked the coolant passages on the head????
It could also be a faulty gage. need to check the real temp not just what the gage says.
You did not mention hoses... so maybe the lower radiator hose is collapsing?
The coolant passages in the engine could be clogged.
Ask if they used the right temp thermostat? Check the radiator cap?
Or maybe a long shot but there could be exhaust issues (partially clogged Cat) causing heat to build up in the exhaust system and thus the engine????
Did they change the head gaskets due to overheating? Or did it start after the HG change. Maybe they put them on wrong and blocked the coolant passages on the head????
It could also be a faulty gage. need to check the real temp not just what the gage says.
Can the water jacket be so clogged that you need to take the engine apart to clear it, or will back flushing do the trick?
How can I check if the cat. is clogged? Smog test? Feel exhaust coming out of the tail pipe?
I have a infared thermometer, where is the best place to check "real" temp? Radiator hose @ t-stat?
Thanks!
07-17-2010, 11:34 AM
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trending Topics
07-18-2010, 10:44 AM
#8
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
primordialbeast117
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
11
12-19-2015 12:23 PM
