I'm sorry to say this again. Maybe try calling Precision Radiator Service in Boulder. Good guys there and Boulder Toyota gets them to do some of their radiator work. They might be able to diagnose your problem very quick. Here's the # 303-442-4181

 

The radiator and engine are separate. Draining the radiator does not drain the block no matter where the drain plug on the radiator is.

It's all a matter of preference I suppose, but if I'm going to go to the trouble of putting in a new radiator, I'm going to drain the entire cooling system first.

 

seems like there is an air lock or the pump managed to go bad. This might sound silly but try shaking your truck. rock it on the suspention jack it up high different directions to help get the air out.

 

alright, i just took it over to precision radiator, thanks poopshute, and they told me what i had a bad feeling about...my right head gasket is blown. so the new radiator's fine, the the head gasket that's causing the overheat. i'm relieved only in the sense that i didn't screw up with the radiator but of course now i have a much bigger problem.

 

Well that would explain the boiling overflow tank I've never had that happen. Sorry to hear that Is that the original HG? Maybe Toyota will do something about it. They replaced my 93 for free back in 97. Here is the Toyota case line #(800) 331-4331. One little tip when reading the letters in your vin# over the phone say Victor instead of "V", David instead of "D" etc. They will tell you if your truck is part of the recall or if it has already been done by a PO they will tell you that too.

 

yah its the original HG, i'm just not sure whether they'll do my for free or not, i'll give that number a call. when i went by the dealer today they quoted me $1800 cause i had mistakenly thought my dealer back home had replaced one of the gaskets but that turns out not to be the case. i'm really hoping they'll cover it, cause if not, i can get a new rebuilt 3.0 from a place around here for $1800! which i guess wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, just a lot more work. anyway, kinda bummed cause i really want it to be drivable soon but i guess we'll see. thanks for all the help, nate.

 

well i just called to check if my truck falls under the recall and according to the VIN it doesn't, so it looks like it might be new engine time for me, unless that is, i wanna replace the HG myself. anyone done this? is it something thats feasible? i'd definitely be willing to try and do it myself with my bro.(certified mechanic) as opposed to paying the dealership $1800...

 

Morphine is: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/3vze-top-end-rebuild-w-pics-slowly-51371/