I have a 1990 2nd gen sr5 v6 runner with 173k miles on it, and about a week ago the engine started running hot. When I start the car it idles about 50-500 rpms, and I don't know how to turn the rpms back. But thats not really the problem, The oil gauge is running low, and when im at idle the temperature gauge goes to about the red but when I speed up it goes back to normal. I checked all the liquids and all seems to be fine.

I don't know exactly whats going on (i don't know much about cars) and I would like to fix it, so if anyone can tell me what I can do to fix this, or what I need done, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Heating up at idle can be caused by low coolant, check that out.

 

You might also want to have the radiator checked for a clog in the core, and the thermostat may not be doing it's job. And... check the water pump. Is it belt driven on those engines? I'm not sure, but if so, then the belt may be slipping.

Also, what would you say is "low" for the oil gauge? Does it come up when the engine speeds up? If so, and the oil level is fine, then you may have something in the sump blocking the pickup.

When's the last time that you changed _all_ fluids and filters?


To fix it yourself, you'll want a factory service manual (FSM). eBay's a pretty good source these days.

 

The oil gauge does go up when I speed up, and I changed all the fluids two days ago. I'm gonna take it in for a radiator flush today, see if that helps.

 

I dunno that a flush will help it... From the symptoms, it sounds like the coolant isn't being circulated well hence looking for issues with the water pump, thermostat and the radiator itself.

Oil pressure wise... It's normal for the gauge to be low at idle and "normal" at speed. I don't know how the gauges are configured on your truck, but if there are numerical designations on the gauge then "normal" should be around 60psi.

 

Since you have already checked the fluid levels, I would look for a hose that is cracked or may have slipped off.

Check your two main radiator hoses on the top and bottom of the radiator as well as the larger hoses right up against and going through the firewall.

Also check your oil cooler hoses located on the block on the passenger side of the vehicle. If you look at the block through the front passenger wheel-well (you may have to remove/push aside some rubber flaps) you will see the silver oil cooler at the same height but a little back from the oil filter. There are two hoses comming off about 3/4" in diameter. Check those. I just rebuilt my '92 V6 with 130k on it and those were just about to go.

When the engine is warm, look for steam, and smell for a burning metal smell, which is a characteristic of boiling antifreeze when it leaks/sprays onto something hot.

The low oil pressure is caused by the low engine speed.

Does the vehicle drive bad too, or is it just when it is idiling that you are having problems? Does the motor run rough? Poor power?

I also have a '95 22re 4 cyc with intermittent tach problems, it runs fine, but sometimes says it's idiling at 80rpm. The tach is actually off. If it was really idiling that slowly, it would run really rough since it would be about to stall.

aNUT

 

AS far as the heating problem I would check the cooling fan clutch. The oil pressure is normal at low speeds. Toyota specs say 4.3 psi at 800 rpms. The idle can be adjusted at the base of the throttle body, facing the front of the engine you should see a brass screw, recessed at the throttle body were it bolts to the intake!!

 

actually, the flush seemed to work, its been a day now and everything seems to be running back to normal.

I guess there was some corrosion inside of the radiator that was cycled through and clogged it.

 

Wow... could very well be!

Glad to hear that you're back to healthy!