1993 Toyota Camry Expansion tank overflows when engine is n

Tiny
BWV2
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
I'm having engine coolant spillage issues. When the car is brought up to operating temperature and then shut off, the expansion tank expels coolant (quite a bit) in spurts. The spurts seem to be caused by the radiator cap oening/closing as pressure builds and drops with each expulsion. This occurs even after a short test drive to get up to operating temp. Note that there is NO overheating of the engine. It operates well within its desired temp range while driving. Here's some backgroudn info and things I've already tried:

I have replaced the thermostat. I have flushed and replaced the coolant. I have bled the system with the engine running and heater on to remove any air pockets. I have ensured that the expansion tank has the proper fluid level after the system is bled. I have replaced the radiator cap. I have replaced the thermostat housing cap. There is no coolant in the oil, nor is there any oil in the coolant. When this occurs, I let the engine cool down, then I refill and bleed the coolant. Next time it gets up to temp, it overflows again. Note it is not just blowing coolant into the expansion tank, but it's actually blowing fluid out on the ground from the expansion tank overflow. Ideas?
Monday, May 10th, 2010 AT 12:52 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DANMANCALIF
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I see that bwv2's entry goes way back to May of 2010. Just wondering if you found a solution. I am struggling with exactly the same problem on my 1992 Camry LE with 3.0 liter V6 engine. I replaced the water pump, thermostat, radiator, radiator cap and other radiator type cap on engine, all belts, including timing belt and pulleys. I am starting to wonder if I got the cam sprokets off a notch or so on the timing belt but I am at a loss.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
BWV2
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
After much time and expense, we decided that our head gasket was blown. One day while driving home on the freeway I overheated and was stranded (again). The next day in a fit of rage I hopped on a flight to Salt Lake City and bought a BMW 330xi. The Camry sits idly in our driveway for now. Good riddance.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
DANMANCALIF
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks bwv2. The blown head gasket is also one of my suspicions but I am trying to look everywhere else first. Guess I am in denial about the head gasket. It is a big job.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
BWV2
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
If you figure it out, please let me know on this thread. I haven't driven my Camry off a cliff yet, so it's not too late.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, March 17th, 2011 AT 8:11 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Coolant In Oil Content

Sponsored links