New answers tagged cooling-system
1
This is almost surely a blown head gasket. A compression test might not even show it, especially if the leak only happens under the pressure of combustion (which is much higher than just the compression from the cylinder moving). You could get a block check kit (which works by pulling fumes from the radiator opening through pH test fluid to determine if ...
0
Hey be carefull but not overly worried.
Probably everything was fine, the cap on de radiator keeps the water under pressure so it only boils above 120 C. I was not boiling, only when you opened the cap and the pressure was gone. Very dangerous to open that cap on a hot engine.
3
When I've had overheating problems and unable to get it fixed or checked out immediately, driving with the heat on full blast (yes, in the summer) is an excellent way to reduce the engine temperature and get you to where you need to go without damaging your engine.
0
I replaced a bad cooling fan relay that would come on and off at leisure. The system had a lot of gas in the cooling system, I bled the system while adding coolant. Runs like a charm now...
2
You said that the service station didn't mention having to top up the coolant, but I'd start by checking the coolant level yourself. The coolant overflow bottle should be prominent in the engine compartment, and the min/max levels should be well marked.
If the coolant level is good, perhaps you have a failing thermostat. This could result in higher than ...
1
I can report that on my car, with 185 degree 'stat that the fans are supposed to come on at 200 (per the manual). When they actually come on varies from 200-210... Not sure why that is, the fan relay is ECU controlled and the gauge and ECU directly samples the temperature... :-)
1
So, I posted a question on Speedway Motor's website because they sell electric fan relay harness & sensor assemblies.
I asked:
My truck has a 170° Thermostat.
Does that mean I should get the kit that turns the fan (ON @ 185°)/(OFF @ 165°) or the kit that turns the fan (ON @ 195°)/(OFF @ 175°)?
The answer by Jason was:
Part number 91064028 ...
2
The only special equipment you'll need to flush your own radiator is a bucket. The fact that they claimed it would take special equipment is just one red flag. I'd be skeptical they even changed the oil. Just google how to flush your Toyota's radiator, you'll see it's super easy. And see if you can warn everyone else in your area about that shop.
2
To add to R...'s answer, I don't know about your Toyota, but on my buick there's a wingnut on the radiator, once I unscrewed that all the coolant came out (so drip pan was my 'special equipment'), once it stopped I tightened the wingnut and added properly mixed coolant, been running fine ever since.
If you really want a peak at what it will take, here is ...
2
Since it's clear the shop was being dishonest, I wouldn't even assume the overflow tank was low. They could have just poured it out or siphoned it off and filled it with water.
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