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Why is my 1997 Toyota Camry running hot? A few weeks ago ...
Sent to Toyota Experts July 23 07:20 PM

Why is my 1997 Toyota Camry running hot? A few weeks ago was the first problem. The radiator was leaking at the top tank, We put in a new radiator, thermostat and fan sensor and it ran great. Now it ran hot last night again. No leaks, no oil in water or water in oil, no smoke. The radiator cap had come apart inside so we replaced it. It doesn't run hot right away now, but after 30 minutes. The fans are coming on. With the radiator cap off when the thermostat opens, coolant is circulating. There seems to be alot of pressure blowing water out the top but no bubbles. I'm assuming this is normal.

 

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1997 Toyota Camry

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
July 23 7:24 PM (3 minutes and 59 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hello, and thank you for choosing Just Answer!

Sounds like there is a blown head gasket to me, actually. Let's hope this is not the case. Anyways, you can find out what ius making your engine overheat if you do this:

You should start with a cold engine that has a completely full cooling system, that doesn't have any visable leaks. Some engines have a leeder screw on the top of the cooling system, this is for a reason. When you fill the system, have the bleeder open and add coolant intil it comes out the bleeder, then close it immediately. Most vehicles also require you to run the heater on high, while filling the system. This will get all the air out of the system

Ok, the system is full, and the cap is on it. Crank it up and let it run for about 30 seconds. Now squeeze the top radiator hose. Is it pressurized already? If so, bad news, there are exhaust gasses entering the cooling system, through a leaking head gasket or cracked head casting. A more expensive version of this test is called a 'Block Test'.

If there was no pressure on the hose, then that is definately good news. Continue to let the engine run for about 4-5 minutes. Just feel the top radiator hose, it should warm up after a few minutes, as the engine warms up. It won't get that hot at first, but as long as you definately notice that it gets hotter is all that counts. About this time, the (electric) fan should be coming on, too. If the hose doesn't get warm, replace the thermostat. If the fan doesn't come on, all the system is a switch, relay, and fan motor. You can figure it out from there.

Anyways, if the thermostat opened up, and the fans came on, then there are likely problems with the radiator or water pump. Water pumps are usually told off by a leak or grinding noise, when they go bad. To test a radiator, all you have tp do is let the engine completely warm up, and then shut it off. You need to feel the tanks on the radiator, not the fins on the core. Are the tanks different temperatures? If they are, then the radiator is clogged.

If not the radiator or water pump, either, then you should figure out why the ignition timing is too advanced, or replace the collapsing lower radiator hose.

Hope this helps, if these 'instructions' are followed completely, you will find out why your engine is overheating.

If you need instructions for the repair, just let me know.



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Picturease_master327 -- Shop Owner - 11 Years -- 100% Positive Feedback on 82 Toyota Accepts
Many years of experience with all types of vehicles, Look at my feedback, it speaks for itself.
Reply
July 23 7:31 PM (6 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
Reply to ase_master327's Post: I've done all those tests already. There is no pressure on the hose until the thermostat opens. The radiator is new and the bottom hose also has pressure when hot. Could it be the water pump bad with no visible leaks or noise?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 23 7:40 PM (8 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

If the water pump is leaking or not turning fast enough, then yes...Quite a possibility. Doesn't matter if it is the 4 or 6 cylinder engine (which you never mentioned), both are timing belt driven. And if the engine just doesn't run like it is supposed to, then it is likely that the timing belt tension is not as 'good' as it should be.

If it is not the timing belt related, then you will need to take this one to the shop, so they can drive it with a cooling system pressure tester, then...OR you can rent one from the auto parts store, and see if the pressure rises above what the rating on the cap os, while you drive.



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Please click Accept when we are finished.
Picturease_master327 -- Shop Owner - 11 Years -- 100% Positive Feedback on 82 Toyota Accepts
Many years of experience with all types of vehicles, Look at my feedback, it speaks for itself.
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