Overheating/hard start 2002 Toyota Tacoma

Hey there so I just purchases a 2002 automatic 2.7L Tacoma

Problems
Hard start
Temperature gauge immediately goes to hot when turned on.
Upper radiator hose seems to have pressure after running for a little while

Things I've had fixed/replaced
Fuel pump
Fuel filter
Thermostat
Water pump
Head was sent out to be fixed and checked for cracks
New head gaskets installed
Coil packs and spark plugs


The truck still has a hard start it doesn't turn over after cranking for a little bit. The temperature gauge is pinned at hot as soon as the truck starts. There seems to be pressure building in my upper radiator hose. I'm not sure if the truck is actually overheating. Can anyone tell me what they think is going on and what I should do to fix these issues.

 

If guage immediately gos to hot. Thats a temp sender problem or wiring.

 

Yes, sounds like a wire shorting.

 

The radiator hose will build pressure as engine heats up. This is normally up to 7psi. The radiator cap controls the amount held. Unplug the temperature sender for the gauge and see if gauge acts in different.

 

If you turn the key to ON without starting the engine and the temperature gauge goes to hot, then it's obviously a problem with the sender or receiver gauge. You can measure the resistance of the sender gauge. It should vary based on temperature and the values are in the FSM.

It's also possible the nuts holding the gauge on the cluster are loose causing a bad electrical connection. If the gauge isn't grounded well through this nut it will cause the gauge to go to hot.

 

Get an infrared thermometer and check the temp of the thermostat housing as the truck is warming up. Check top and bottom of the radiator & block too.
Sounds like the temp sender is grounding out. No need to drain coolant to change. You'll only loose a small amount of coolant. Make sure the socket size on the old and new one match. (ask me how I know)