Overheating

04 toyota tacoma prerunner headache, its overheating put new thermostat changed radiator water pump clutch fan sensors tested for leaks and theres none. If i remove thermostat and run with out it its fine. Put new thermostats various ones and over heats. Im out of ideas does anyone know what else i can do

 

Well if you removed the thermostat and it runs fine, that's your problem. Are you installing it properly?

 

I've had occassional overheating issues with my 04 as well, only when in 4lo for extended periods of time though. Mine is likely due to my supercharger and the aftermarket electric fans I have.

Someone recommended I try running a coolant additive called Purple Ice in my coolant, I bought some (like $10) and put it in, it kept me from overheating last time I was out wheeling. It helps to stabilize your coolant operating temperature.

If your overheating is serious then its not going to fix it, but if it's an occasional thing then this might help. Water Wetter is another brand I've heard good things about

 

Does it overheat just idling? Does it overheat on the freeway? Or both?

 

A little at idle but as soon as i put on drive it goes up immediately

 

Yes i installed it properly and still over heats. I bought 4 thermostats tested them with boiling water then put it in. Weird though that with the thermostat on water won't recirculate and with no tbermostat its fine

 

Are you using OEM Toyota parts?

I'd do a coolant combustion gas test to rule out a blown headgasket.

 

how many miles on the ODO?

 

Did that already im like out of ideas

 

How hot does it get? Do you have a scanguage or similar? It's over 100 degrees here in Big D and mine will occasionally hit 200. It's typically rock steady at 193. But if you're getting close to 215 220 and climbing that's troubling.

I doubt this is a major factor but be sure the jiggle valve on the thermostat is in the 6 o'clock position. (Yeah the old jiggle valve debate again.) Some have shown pretty strangely and reliably an increase in temp if it isn't in the 6 posish. Just a theory. But it does belong in the 6 o'clock.

 

That's only on the V6 engine, no? On the 4 banger it still goes in with the jiggle valve at 12 o'clock.

 

Hummmm well that I don't know. Sorry man. That's a strange predicament you have there. Everything screams thermostat. I mean, they can't ALL be bad.

Someone asked if they were Toyota thermostats, maybe try one of you haven't already.

 

My son has a 1998 Tacoma Limited V6 and we have been chasing this same problem for more than a year. With a thermostat installed the truck overheats and the temp gauge pegs out without the thermostat it actually runs to cool. We have also tried different thermostats and checked the position of the jiggle valve. We have replaced the radiator, water pump and fan clutch. I was wondering if there was any resolution to this problem?

 

Correct!!

 

Gosh thats really strange the whole system has been changed and no resolution. I recently fought an overheating issue. Ended up being a partially restricted rad but you changed that and your thermostat deal is really weird. The hang up has to be with that id imagine???

 

radiator might be clogged/restricted internally...

 

Lol, I was getting ready to type just that before getting to your post.

 

Yes there is heat in the cab.