Why Is My Temperature Up?

Hey everyone.

Yesterday I did a valve cover gasket replacement for my 2003 3.4 Tacoma PreRunner.

I've noticed that my engine is running a few degrees hotter than before.

It used to run 186 degrees and would only rise up to 190 in hot weather stop and go traffic.

But now after I changed the valve cover gaskets, and painted the covers and plenum. My Tacoma runs at 190 in long distance drives in 50 degree weather. Sometimes going up mountains it breaks to 191-193 when it never did before.

What can it be?

FYI I also did a timing belt change about a year ago that included everything water pump temp gauge etc.

 

Paint don't dissipate heat, it retain

 

Thermostat? Either stuck or not installed right, or the wrong temp range? I've seen a difference every time I change one out, haven't had to do it on the Taco yet. If you changed nothing else I'm not seeing how a gasket change would cause it to rise.

 

Where are you getting the temperature reading? OBD2 port (e.g., Scangauge) or an aftermarket gauge?

 

I was wondering if that could be the issue.

 

Scan Guage.

 

It's been getting consistent temp since I've installed it a year ago.

It's not an after market thermostat.

 

So after reading other posts it seems like 190-200 is the average coolant temp range.
.So far I've been running 190 and drops to 188 going down hills or flat terrain.

 

I would not worry.

 

Maybe check radiator cap. They are cheap to get an OE replacement. Just peace of mind to know you got a new one.

 

It's fine. If it gets over 210-215 then start to worry

 

Mine usually runs 200-202 according to my scangauge ii.