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Overheating, water pump or thermostat?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by sdahmer, Mar 19, 2014.

  1. Mar 19, 2014 at 12:49 AM
    #1
    sdahmer

    sdahmer [OP] Member

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    Ted
    San Diego
    Hey everyone, hoping you could help me out deciding if I have a bad water pump or thermostat before I dump the coolant or order a new pump. My taco is a '96 2.4 with a fairly new radiator (only has about 5k on it). Began to overheat but the heater works which kept the temp just past the center, that leads me to believe it's the thermostat. Am I right or is there a chance it's the pump? Btw, I am fully capable of doing either repair. Thanks for your help!
     
  2. Mar 19, 2014 at 12:56 AM
    #2
    VE7OSR

    VE7OSR нет войне

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    Rob II
    Okanagan, Canada
    Vehicle:
    05 DCLB TRD Sport
    Armour: All-Pro Skid plates - IFS, transmission, and transfer case. Pelfreybilt rear standard plate bumper, Metal Tech Sliders w/ kickout and dimple die filler plates. Front Suspension: OME 885 + NitroCharger 9000 shocks + 1/2" spacers for a 3" lift. Superbumps replacing stock bumpstops. Camburg ball joint UCA SS braid brake lines Future: ADS Extended length, extended length UCA BJ to increase droop capability Rear Suspension: All-Pro Expedition rear leafs, Walker Evans 27" rear shocks, extended rear brake lines (Wheelers Offroad), U -bolt flip kit, rear Timbren bumpstops. Future: Hammer Hangers, Shock relocate, ADS 12" or 14" shock. Interior: Weatherteck floor liners - front, Wet Okoles- front, ScanGauge, LED interior & map lights. Power moonroof. Exterior: Raider Cobra canopy, retrofit headlight by Insight, LED bulbs all around, modified flasher unit for LEDs. Rear diff breather mod. Front diff vibe problem, driver's side needle bearing replaced with ECGS bushing. yet to install: HID Blazer Fog Retrofit, LED Flood & Spot, + switches, fuse panel. swaybar relocate blocks (build my own)
    Pump gets noisy, has lots of play, and usually leaks out a bottom drip hole.
    Sounds like a thermostat stuck closed or low on coolant.
     
  3. Mar 19, 2014 at 4:11 AM
    #3
    sdahmer

    sdahmer [OP] Member

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    Ted
    San Diego
    Thanks, I'll check for wobble and/or noise at the pump/pulley with the engine on since it's full of coolant. I hope it's just the thermostat since that's only a two bolt job.
     
  4. Mar 19, 2014 at 4:39 AM
    #4
    lipster

    lipster Well-Known Member

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    Mike
    Northern MN
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    2004 ext cab 3.4 auto TRD
    License plate frame
    I would say most likely thermostat.
    Be sure you use one from Toyota. Quality varies widely.
     

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