1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Overheating - I'm stumped

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by jlp_2kP, Jul 16, 2016.

  1. Jul 16, 2016 at 7:50 AM
    #1
    jlp_2kP

    jlp_2kP [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    Member:
    #192133
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2000 Prerunner 3.4
    I have a 6 cylinder 2000 Prerunner wit 185k miles that has been overheating and I can't figure it out.

    My symptoms are:
    • I can drive for about 45 minutes on regular roads (35 - 45 mph) before the gauge goes up
    • I can drive about 10 minutes on the freeway (65 - 75 mph)
    • The overflow res boils when it's hot
    • The heater blows hot
    What I've done:
    • Changed the fan clutch
    • Changed thermostat twice
    • Changed radiator cap twice
    • Changed upper and lower hose
    • Had a mechanic pressure test it. He said it was fine.
    • I did a block test. Fluid stayed blue.
    • Had the mechanic do a block test in case I did it wrong. Fluid stayed blue.
    • Changed water pump with 90k service.
    • Had the cooling system flushed when the water pump/timing belt were getting done.
    The radiator was replaced about 5 years ago but at this point I'm not sure what else it could be. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Jul 16, 2016 at 7:55 AM
    #2
    wilcam47

    wilcam47 Keep on keeping on!

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2016
    Member:
    #176243
    Messages:
    49,812
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    Bourbon state
    only thing I can think of is the radiator is clogged on the inside eventhough you did a flush its not flowing good. also check to see if there stuff/debris in the radiator fins....

    Maybe you got a bad clutch fan from the factory?
     
    jlp_2kP[OP] likes this.
  3. Jul 16, 2016 at 8:04 AM
    #3
    jlp_2kP

    jlp_2kP [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    Member:
    #192133
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2000 Prerunner 3.4
    Thanks for the reply. I looked through the grill and can see the fan/engine through through a/c condenser and radiator, so the fins don't appear to be clogged. The clutch seems like it works fine. The fan blows hard at startup and is very difficult to stop with a rolled up magazine. I'll remove the shroud and spray the fins out with a hose to see if that helps.
     
  4. Jul 16, 2016 at 9:59 AM
    #4
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2014
    Member:
    #139537
    Messages:
    5,259
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    karl
    louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    with the list of things you have done, it definitely comes down to it must have blocked water passages within the radiator itself I think

    time for a new radiator
     
    jlp_2kP[OP] likes this.
  5. Jul 16, 2016 at 10:49 AM
    #5
    neatoneto

    neatoneto Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Member:
    #173760
    Messages:
    728
    CT/Mass
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Off Road DCSB
    Had similar issue on my 98 nissan pathfinder. replaced the rad which fixed it. either that or water pump.
     
  6. Jul 16, 2016 at 11:24 AM
    #6
    jlp_2kP

    jlp_2kP [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    Member:
    #192133
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2000 Prerunner 3.4
    Thanks for the input wilcam, keakar, and neato. I washed out the radiator fins and there wasn't much there other than a few pine needles and feathers. A few of the fins were bent, but nothing major. I guess it's clogged and I'm replacing the radiator. Any recommendations as to the brand to get? Are any of the three listed below okay?

    Koyorad C1755: https://www.amazon.com/Koyorad-C1755-Radiator/dp/B00PW2OBBK
    Spectra CU1755: https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Premium-CU1755-Complete-Radiator/dp/B000C7TU1Q
    Shepherd: https://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Performance-Alumium-Engine-Radiator/dp/B0073MFS3W
     
  7. Jul 16, 2016 at 2:01 PM
    #7
    keakar

    keakar Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2014
    Member:
    #139537
    Messages:
    5,259
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    karl
    louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2006 4runner sport 4.7L V8 (white)
    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    take very careful measurements of your old radiator and compare to ones you look at

    many places make replacement radiators but not all fit the same and some trucks have "slightly" different sized radiators (like a half inch taller or wider) depending on things like 4wd, 2wd, trd, or 5 lug and even with the correct everything checked on model and part number needed to fit it, sometimes a rad they say fits wont measure the same and you will need to avoid that brand and model number so the most important factor is physical dimensions rather then what they say fits your truck.

    just to be clear, what I am saying is, there are good brands of rads but the info on what they fit may not be totally accurate in every case so triple check physical dimensions before ordering and even then its common for the screw holes to be offset slightly and be a real bitch to get started without stripping them so a good FYI is to get them all threads started about 1/4" before screwing any of them in more then that.

    also have a good long 12" ratchet extension with wobble tip and a u-joint connector added to it because two of the bolts you don't have clear access to line up a straight connection on
     
  8. Jul 16, 2016 at 2:11 PM
    #8
    jlp_2kP

    jlp_2kP [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    Member:
    #192133
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2000 Prerunner 3.4
    Thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to take measurements before I order.
     
  9. Jul 16, 2016 at 2:13 PM
    #9
    Bloodhound

    Bloodhound Banned from the Pics Thread

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2010
    Member:
    #48442
    Messages:
    730
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    East Moline, IL
    Vehicle:
    '10 TRD O/R DBL-CAB
    Floor-mats, Running Boards, Shorty Antenna, AFE Pro Dry Air Filter, AVS In-Channel VentVisors, Beer cans in the bed
    I have had issues in the past with a girlfriends Blazer where after having the radiator cap replaced it wasn't long enough and would not seal to the radiator causing a similar issue, i.e., truck got hot, smelled of antifreeze (due to venting off). I went through about 4 radiator caps before I found one that actually sealed/seated. Diagnosed by squeezing the upper hose to verify system building pressure.
     
  10. Jul 17, 2016 at 4:48 AM
    #10
    JPinFL

    JPinFL Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2015
    Member:
    #169817
    Messages:
    914
    Vehicle:
    '01 Tacoma Xtra Cab 4x4
    I got a Spectra from Pepboys a few years ago. No issues at all with the installation. All of the holes matched perfectly.

    The reasons I went with Spectra? I needed a radiator asap. Pepboys had it in stock.
     
  11. Jul 17, 2016 at 5:44 PM
    #11
    Digiratus

    Digiratus Adventurer

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2010
    Member:
    #34006
    Messages:
    22,943
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Roaming the PNW
    Vehicle:
    The RedHead
    2002 XtraCab TRD 4x4 SCv6 AutoTrans With Lots of Mods ADS COs w/Compression Adjusters Camburg Uniball UCAs Whiteline Lower Control Arm Bushings Kartek 7" Limit Straps Plastics Guy Front Bumpstops Custom Alcan Springs +800 lbs +3" ADS 10" Stroke Triple Bypass w/Resi Rear Shocks Custom Rear Shock Relocate All-Pro U-bolt Flip w/Timbren Bumpstops 4.88 Nitro Gears ARB Front Locker ARB Twin Compressor Black 17x8 Konig Countersteer Type X 285/70r17 Falken A/T3w Gunmetal 16x8 SCS Ray10s 255/85r16 Maxxis Bighorns Limited Edition (Relentless) Elite Front Bumper Smittybilt X2O 10K Winch Diode Dynamics SS3 Sport Selective Yellow Fog Lights in the Bumper Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro 4,000 Kelvin SAE Driving Lights with Clear Lenses on the Bumper Morimoto D2S Projectors XB35 Ballasts + 4300K Bulbs Badland Sliders FrankenFab Tire Carrier Swingout bumper w/kitchen BudBuilt Front & Bellypan Skids BAMF Rear Diff Skid Dometic CFX 55im Fridge/Freezer Alpha II Hardshell RTT Badland Custom Bed Rack Denso 210-0461 105 amp alternator Dual Northstar 24F AGM batteries BlueSea 7622 ML-ACR Battery controller Peak DBI Dual Battery Voltage Monitor Magnuson MP62 Supercharger w/2.37" Pulley Haltech Elite 2000 Standalone ECU Denso 650cc Fuel Injectors Doug Thorley Headers Aeromotive Stealth 340 Fuel Pump TransGo A340F Reprogramming Shift Kit Magnaflow Hi-Flow CAT, Magnaflow 18" Muffler w/Vibrant Resonator 13WL Brake Calipers Braided Steel Brake Lines ScanGauge II OBDII Scanner Kenwood TM-71A Dual Band Ham Radio Larson 70CM/2M Antenna Uniden 520xl CB radio 3' Firestik Adjustable tip antenna Pioneer DEH-P9400BH HU Alpine Amps & Type R components (F) and coaxials (R) Wet Okole Seat Covers Weathertech Digital Liners Deck Plate Mod 1" Diff Drop Carrier Bearing Drop
    Waterpump. At 185K, it is time to replace it again. It could be worn impellers. This would show up at higher RPMs
     
  12. Jul 17, 2016 at 7:38 PM
    #12
    jlp_2kP

    jlp_2kP [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    Member:
    #192133
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2000 Prerunner 3.4
    Bloodhound: The cap seems fine. I've tried two Toyota caps and one autozone cap and all seem to seal properly.
    Digiratus: The waterpump was changed about 100 miles ago with the timing belt after it started leaking.

    Hopefully the koyo radiator I ordered will solve the problem. I will report back once it's in.
     
  13. Jul 17, 2016 at 7:42 PM
    #13
    nickj604

    nickj604 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2015
    Member:
    #168120
    Messages:
    661
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Vancouver BC
    Vehicle:
    2019 RAM 1500
    To be announced
    Before you go out and replace your rad try back flushing it. It could solve your problem and save you some $$
     
  14. Jul 18, 2016 at 3:59 AM
    #14
    johnny3

    johnny3 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2015
    Member:
    #159153
    Messages:
    176
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    01 Tacoma TRD
    I think the Koyo is the better radiator.
     
  15. Jul 23, 2016 at 2:14 PM
    #15
    jlp_2kP

    jlp_2kP [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2016
    Member:
    #192133
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2000 Prerunner 3.4
    I finally got the radiator swapped today. I order a Koyo from an Amazon seller but they sent a smaller radiator of a different brand. I ordered a Koyo with a 22 5/8 core and ended up with a 4x4 radiator with a 20 3/4 core. I'm not sure what brand it was. It was labelled WK1755PA26 and had a picture of a shark on the box. I asked them what happened and they said they were out of the Koyo but the other one would fit the same. I wasn't convinced so I sent that one back and got a Spectra from the local Autozone.

    I went in through the grill with a 1/4 extension to get the top bolts and went in under the bumper to get the bottom bolts. I put the extension through the top slot of the grill and snapped on the socket on the other side since I couldn't get the 12mm socket through the grill. I still ended up breaking off two of the grill clips trying to fit my hand behind the grill to grab the bolts and take the socket off the extension. The grill is holding on okay, so I won't worry about getting replacements for now. I saw that someone else used sharpies to plug the atf cooler lines. I don't have sharpies but wire nuts plugged the lines just fine.

    Overall, it was a little tougher to do than I expected but it wasn't bad. I had a little trouble because I have large hands and the lower bolts were hard to get to. It was 97 degrees out today with a heat index of 107, so that didn't help either.

    Previously, I could only drive about 10 minutes on the freeway before the gauge went up to 3/4 and I had to start looking for somewhere to pull over. I took a 30 minute test drive on and off the freeway and the temp gauge stayed right in the middle, so it looks like the problem is solved.

    Thank all of you guys for your input.
     
    Justified and wilcam47 like this.
  16. Jul 23, 2016 at 3:08 PM
    #16
    neatoneto

    neatoneto Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2016
    Member:
    #173760
    Messages:
    728
    CT/Mass
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Off Road DCSB
    Awesome to hear! :thumbsup:
     
  17. Jul 23, 2016 at 3:16 PM
    #17
    ppham444

    ppham444 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2010
    Member:
    #34175
    Messages:
    2,376
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Phuong
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2023 White TRD Off-Road doublecab
    I had the same problem with my 96 Tacoma. The radiator was internally clogged. Swapped it out for a new one and solved the problem.
     
  18. Jul 23, 2016 at 3:21 PM
    #18
    bry838

    bry838 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2014
    Member:
    #137527
    Messages:
    2,403
    Gender:
    Male
    oregon
    Vehicle:
    '00 tacoma 2.7 4x4 reg cab 5speed x's 2. '01 T4R 3.4 5 speed
    Good deal! Ive had the same issue before and did exactly what you did! Replaced everything but the radiator. So naturally it was the radiator that was the problem. Same as you it flowed just fine so it appeared but those lil passage ways on the inside (not out)were clogged just enough that it would gradually get hot, especially pulling a grade. Drove me nuts till i finally changed the rad and been fine ever since!
     
  19. Jul 23, 2016 at 9:19 PM
    #19
    wilcam47

    wilcam47 Keep on keeping on!

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2016
    Member:
    #176243
    Messages:
    49,812
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    Bourbon state
    FTW ;)
     
    neatoneto likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top