1st gen: better radiator? or fan clutch?

ok got a question for other old 1st gen folks.

Taco gets hot when i sit at idle in a drive thru or the bank or what ever.

now it NEVER gets hot when its up & moving & it doesnt get hot with the A/C running either ....

but even with nothing on ... sitting still idling heats her up.

is this a water flow/radiator problem? or maybe a fan clutch?

or is there a better volume radiator that bolts in?

throw me some input.

zero leaks, drips... new hoses, good water pump & thermo... radiator looks clean & unblocked.

its an 03 extra cab 3.4 AT

 

A working radiator (stock) works perfectly fine to keep your truck cool.

A working fan clutch (stock) does a good job as well. If you replace it, get the green band variant and not the orange.

Check small things like whether or not coolant is flowing by checking your hoses, checking your fan clutch, looking for leaks, and feeling for "cool" spots on your radiator.

Fortunately it's about a 45min job to replace the radiator, and maybe another 5-10mins for the fan clutch if you're going to replace everything.

A good swivel for removing the thermostat housing is key as it's easy to round off the nuts holding it in place.

 

thank you for input!

was thinking if its not reduced flow it just about had to be the clutched fan ... right?

got new thermo, hoses & no leaks anywhere.... only thing i didnt change was the clutch fan.

whats the green & orange band notations?

 

found it.... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fan-clutch-replacement.520375/

 

$89 FCT-013 Engine Cooling Fan Clutch - Compatible with Select Toyota 4Runner, T100, Tacoma, Tundra

FCT-013 is what you seek.

 

You read my mind... Just went & checked ... I have the orange neck one...

Read the thread about using the green one. Sounds like will try that.

PS; tried spinning it by hand & its pretty stiff cold. Kinda like stirring a milkshake.
Will try it when its hot after a shut off.

 

Went & did some more checking..... Turns people have been getting fake ones of these from that Amazon seller. So I spent $4 extra & got one on the way from Rock Auto.

Thank you very much for your input & advice! Will post back after install & give deets.