1986 Toyota Pickup Runs too hot

JONNYBOY18

MEMBER
1986 TOYOTA PICKUP
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
246,000 MILES

It has radiator fluid in it but I live in the middle of Texas and it just seems to not be able to stand the heat. The temperature just steadily rises and after about 30mins of driving it is approaching the red line on the thermostat. Would maybe getting a newer or a bigger radiator help to alleviate this problem?

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Try replacing the thermostat and see what happens

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Thursday, August 26th, 2010 AT 7:33 PM

JONNYBOY18

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5 POSTS

So then you are saying that I may be getting a false reading?

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Friday, August 27th, 2010 AT 8:45 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

The thermostat controls the engine temperature, the engine temperature gauge sender or the coolant temperature sensor reads it and then to the temperature gauge

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Friday, August 27th, 2010 AT 2:23 PM

JONNYBOY18

MEMBER
5 POSTS

So the thermostat has already been removed so if I put one on it then it will just heat up even quicker. I talked to the guy I bought it from and he said that the water pump is new. So I am first going to replace the stock radiator and then If that doesn't help enough then I am going to replace the fan clutch. Though I may think about installing that thermostat once winter comes around.

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Sunday, August 29th, 2010 AT 8:57 AM

RASMATAZ