2002 Tacoma 3.4L lower radiator hose not warm

I am debating whether or not to put a new thermostat in my 2002 Tacoma 3.4l Prerunner. I did the timing belt, water pump, belts, hoses and thermostat 5,000 miles ago. Replaced all of it with OEM. I went today to put in a fan pulley bracket so I to pull the top hose so the upper timing cover could come off. Got it back together and got the spill free funnel out and started the burping process. I let it run for 30 minutes but the lower radiator hose never got even lukewarm it was cool to the touch. I drove it and came back same thing. Truck is not over heating by the scan tool it is around 192 F. If i do replace it would have to be from the parts store. I figured the lower hose should be at least lukewarm. I wondering if it is barely opening. I figure if it was stuck closed it would be overheating. Heat is working great also.

 

I had the same experience after I replaced my radiator. I'm thinking that these rads are quite large so as long as your temps are in check, you are good.

 

How long was your ‘drive’?

If you put heat on high……blows hot?

 

I let it run with the no spill funnel on it for 30 -45 minutes with the heat on . Then drove it another 35 minutes or so. The heat blows hot. Just surprised me that the lower radiator hose was not even lukewarm. Just wondering if this was normal. I don't think I ever felt of it whenever I got threw putting the timing belt , water pump and thermostat 5,000 miles ago. I didn't see and air bubbles in the funnel, the vehicle was at temp and I had heat don't think I even felt of the lower hose .

 

Hmmmm

appears
U burbed well
Heat works
35m drive certainly long enough
Cluster gauge good
Scan tool good(temp)

I would monitor

Myself, I think I would have a conniption fit if I had to drain/buy new coolant and burb system again !

keep everyone posted!

 

2 years ago, I was in the EXACT same boat, I ran the spill free funnel for 30 Min plus.. Hose never got hot to touch like the others. Heater blew hot, scan tool showed normal temps. Placed the cap on and took her on the freeway, hose finally got hot, but not over heating..

Let the engine cool down, ran the spill free funnel for another 15 min a few tiny bubbles come out. Haven't had an issue yet.

 

The bottom hose finally got warm. I use the no spill funnel for 45 minutes got a little more air out not a whole lot but some. The bottom hose was still cool. So I took for a long drive 30 minutes on some straight a ways and up and down some pretty good hills and it never got hot. The gauge stay to center on the temp. Pull into the garage and felt the bottom hose and it was finally warm. I didn't want to drain it again and put a thermostat in. I guess so times it takes a lot of patients.

 

Yes!!!!!!!

still monitor thou