3.4, how hot is too hot?

The temp needle is always a touch above middle, and my obdII reader is always between 198-203°.

Truck is on 4.10's on 34's.

Today while wheeling, and even a couple times on the highway, temps spiked to 204.8°. Ambient temp is 85°

So, how hot is too hot before it needs to go in for a check up?

 

Sounds normal to me. Mine stays at about 190 all the time, with the supercharger. In the summer when it's hot or I'm wheeling with the AC on it might get up to 205. I've read that 210-215 is when you should start to worry, especially if it's at those temps during normal use.

 

Actually i just read about the spike you experienced on the highway, might be time for a coolant flush and see where that puts you.

 

Sounds normal to me. My 2004, v6 auto, 4.88s and 33” tires runs at 198-202 normal around town and freeway use. Highest I’ve seen with my scangauge ii is 208 while climbing a steep fire service road with 4x4 engaged. Needle points just to top of “P” of “A/T P” next to gauge at full operating temp.

 

when you replace coolant, use the toyota pink stuff... you can find it at carquest auto parts, or the stealership. NOTICEABLE difference. I replaced a radiator and used the yellow, 5-10 deg warmer with that. if your not TRD, you prob should be sitting between 180-185 when warmed up. BTW you are DEFINITELY taxing your engine with 4.10s and 34s. Your transmission is probably not happy either.

 

I have never seen mine get above 184, all stock

 

After two minutes of idle, temps are hovering at 199.4°, 842 rpm, and a/c on full blast. Same goes idling at 660-700 rpm no a/c.

 

I'm running the pink stuff. Have all maintenance done at the store. Timing belt, waterpump and thermostat were done 20k ago at 55k miles.

Tuesday, I'm going down to 255's, and throwing in a Marlin Crawler HD clutch and flywheel.

 

Going to look at the jiggler valve, and ensure it's at the 6 o'clock position.

Looks like I'll go ahead and do a thermostat too. Damn. My wallet is going to hate me this week.

 

Theres pretty new thread on here about the aluminum 3 core radiator. A supercharged member installed it and saw some pretty nice temp drops, i just ordered one and plan on installing this weekend. Ive got an extra one im willing to part out at a few bucks less than retail if you need it.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-3-4-supercharger.543859/page-2#post-17705577

 

200* is totally normal. And you need the heat for complete combustion. Would worry unless you see 220*+. Torque shows me anywhere from 195-202* in my turbo 5vz. The color of the coolant makes zero difference on engine temps. Water is the main (and far superior) heat displacer. The type of coolant is what mixes with the block metals and prevents rust and scaling.

 

Holy sheet.. You have what looks like a 99-01 in your pic, and only 55k miles?

 

20k ago, at 55k would indicate 75k miles. But still that aint many!

 

Ahhh good point, but yeah that definitely still not much!

 

@vasinvictor is right on the money. Truck has just a touch under 75k.

 

Two words: jiggle valve!!

But that aluminum Champion radiator has my attention, too.

 

Sorry for anyone that saw my previous post for interest in the aluminum radiator, i found an ebay seller that actually treats customers well lol. Theyre sending a fedex truck by to take it off my hands tomorrow free of charge and giving me a full refund. i still highly recommend getting one though. mine is getting installed today or tomorrow now, i just need to get the gasket for the thermostat

 

if jiggle valve is installed at 12 o clock, then that's why you're 5-10 degrees hotter than you should be. Yes, 12 o clock is what most cars require, but not the 5VZ. Needs to be at 6

 

Have you considered installing a snorkel to bring in cooler, cleaner air? It’s not cheap to do but seems to make a difference from what I’ve read.

 

I was considering re-gearing my 03 to from 4.10 to 4.88 how do you like yours? Was it worth it? Although I’m selling mine now