Hello peeps!

I have a 1989 single cab 4x4 22re 5 speed with 300k miles. It overheates SLOWLY but surely. From the temp needle will go from the mid point on temp to red zone at idle (w/ ac on or off) in about 15 - 25 mins.

(Moving using Python the truck)


Engine will run very hot (given time) in the city, and somewhat less hot on the highway (55-65 mph).

I have check or replaced the following items to check or test:

Radiator - good
Thermostat - replaced
Water pump - replaced
Fan clutch - replaced
Ignition timing - checked
Timing chain - replaced (no hole)
Coolant hoses replaced or checked (no external coolant leaks)
Head Gasket - ??? (no white smoke from exhaust or rough running)

The temp gauge will NEARLY reach the red zone in position on the highway at 55-65 mph (afraid to press the truck harder)

I can hear coolant bubbling if the gauge reaches above 1/2 (so it's accurate)

I think the problem is the head gasket. I put drops of oil from the dip stick on a frying pan and heard/saw little bubbles and crackling sounds. Then I went and did the same test with fresh oil. No popping or bubbling.

The oil level on the dipstick is rising too (I think)! Suddenly my truck was overfull a few weeks after an oil change...

OK, I need some help please... Do any of you have an opinion on this? Please let me know

What brand of head gasket should I use? And if my head is damaged, what brand of replacement heads are best?

Thanks

 

Okay, I'm thinking it is the radiator. Mine is stock and it has been into lots of dirty places for fishing spots...not the City places...

Anyway, any recommendations on what radiator to get? Trying to stay under 200$.

I called Champion Radiators and I like the look and price, but I need it now!

 

To add insult to injury, the engine runs well, but it has picked up this low RPM 1200-1500 vibration that makes everything vibrate.

It as if I am passing through some low freq that makes my inner fender and rear sliding window sound off.

Other than that, it runs and idles nicely at all other RPMs.

Any thoughts ?

 

Have you flushed the coolant?

What engine work has been done it recently? Valves, timing chain, spark etc.

 

Sounds like you replaced everything i can think of.

 

swampedout, thanks for the assistance.

I went ahead and bought the Champion Radiator and it finally arrived.
In addition to it looking good, it is well made.

I sure hope this is the cure for the overheating issue.

I should have it on in a few days when i have a moment.

 

Could be a bunch of things going on making it overheat.

I wouldn't trust the factory gauge with my life. My 3vze will get to 200 on a hot day and the gauge still shows half.

 

I used a CSF 2306 radiator and have been very happy with it. It even has a drain valve which the original did not. Likely above your price target, though.

 

Received the Champion Radiator . It was well packaged and box was not damaged

 

Old stock radiator - looked good.

 

Installed the new radiator.
This was an easy straight-ahead remove and replace.
Remove the upper and lower water hoses and air horn. The bottom hose was more accessible when I removed the skid plate.
The fan shroud was unbolted and pushed towards the engine so that it hangs on the fan blades.
Then remove the four bolts holding the radiator and lift it out.
The Champion radiator was a straight bolt in with no issue at all. Oh, it took more fluid to refill than the stock radiator.










All i can say at the moment is that I am cautiously happy ! I keep driving it to my same old haunts and it has only moved to 1/4 and that is with AC on and farting around...

 

Same here.

Nice! Pls keep us posted how it does. Also what is core height / Shroud dimensions?
People need to double-check original radiator and shroud dimensions before ordering. Some trucks take 2314, Blueman's and mine take 2306 plug and play.

 

If that solves the over heating problem, and then you start loosing coolant with no visible leaks, and no coolant in the oil. Then the coolant is going out the tail pipe.

My 92 22RE never did run hot, but the coolant would slowly disappear from the overflow jug. Yup bad head gasket. Had a bad spot on it between the number 3 and 4 piston exhaust side.

 

Very interesting. Comparing the CSF info, the 2306 and 2314 are very nearly the same. The 2314 covers 1984-1995, whereas the 2306 covers only 1985-1988. The biggest difference I can see is the inlet/outlet diameter (2-1/4 vs. 2-3/16). Mine is an SR5 with MT5 and A/C and takes the 2306. Anyone know which vehicles take the 2314?

2306: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=8610084&jsn=7
Left Core Length (in) 16 3/4
Inlet Length (In) 20 7/8
Inlet Width (in) 2 3/16
Outlet Length (In) 20 7/8
Outlet Width (in) 2 3/16
Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 1640035380

2314: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=8610092&jsn=3
Left Core Length (in) 15 3/4
Inlet Length (In) 20 11/16
Inlet Width (in) 2 1/4
Outlet Length (In) 20 11/16
Outlet Width (in) 2 1/4
Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 1640035360HD

 

Nice truck for sure, is it fixed?

 

The Core Dimensions are (HxW) 15 3/4" x 20" and the Overall Dimensions are (HxW) 20" x 23 5/8"
The hose fittings in/out were 1 3/8" (22RE)

The shroud is stock and it bolted on with no issues.
The top of the radiator is shorter than the stock.

I'm driving it around a lot and monitoring the heat and fluid.
Every time after I drive, I pop the hood and check for overheating...so far-so good!

It almost seems too easy. I guess I'm a pessimistic-optimist right now.