Topic: 22RE overheating

[kllangeland]

Hello - new to the forum - first post!

I run an '85 4runner (22RE) and it's been overheating lately.  I took it out mudding multiple times after I got it late this summer and all was well, then one day it decided to blow all the coolant out.  Now every time I run it after about 5-10 minutes of running / driving (even in cold air on the open road) it overheats and I lose the coolant.  The radiator is clean, I changed the thermostat (and tested the original, which worked, and the new one has the little bypass hole), I made sure the belt driving the water pump was tight / not slipping, there was no evidence of the water pump being broke (the shaft didn't wiggle around) .... Also before it decided to regularly overheat it would gurgle and bubble after I shut it off, which didn't seem right to me.  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

[toyodaaddict]

blown head gasket maybe. where's the coolant going? just disappearing, possibly making its way into the engine an out the exhaust? the fins inside the water pump could have rotted away. never seen it but heard of it happening. whatevers going on you need to stop driving it till you figure it out.

[emsvitil]

I'm thinking a blown head-gasket too.

The air leaking past the headgasket is blowing out the coolant.

Take the cap off and see if there's lots of air bubbling out of the tank.

[tgmaul88]

1st pressure test the system check for leaks
2nd physically check water pump, heck if you can get another one cheap on rock auto,
3 referr to step one,

[tgmaul88]

and check hoses off heater core and others to see if they get hot, also your clutch fan may be shot no cowl maybe

[Snowtoy]

Check the rad hoses as well, they could be collapsing.  When you squeeze them they should be stiff, not easily squished.

[tgmaul88]

also. pick up a new radiator cap

[daniresch]

Hello - new to the forum - first post!

I run an '85 4runner (22RE) and it's been overheating lately.  I took it out mudding multiple times after I got it late this summer and all was well, then one day it decided to blow all the coolant out.  Now every time I run it after about 5-10 minutes of running / driving (even in cold air on the open road) it overheats and I lose the coolant.  The radiator is clean, I changed the thermostat (and tested the original, which worked, and the new one has the little bypass hole), I made sure the belt driving the water pump was tight / not slipping, there was no evidence of the water pump being broke (the shaft didn't wiggle around) .... Also before it decided to regularly overheat it would gurgle and bubble after I shut it off, which didn't seem right to me.  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

I've had the same exact symptoms before and replacing my head gasket fixed everything. (I replaced all my coolant lines & cap first and nothing changed)
If you decide to replace yours, make sure to:
1). Only buy a Toyota head gasket from the dealership.
2). Replace timing chain guides while your in there.

Best of luck

[kllangeland [OP]]

Thanks everyone - I've got it put up in a barn right now to get it out of the snow and salt, but I'll get to checking on your suggestions as soon as I can! 

Also the head gasket was re-done shortly before I bought it - I suppose there's a chance the head isn't tightened down enough. 

[twistedtoy92]

I rarely trust anyone else's work when it comes to my own stuff... I've seen a lot of hack jobs, whether it be dirty or uneven surfaces, under/over torquing, or cheap parts, it is common to have another issue especially if you are out beating on it or bouncing it off the rev limiter often. Also check the block and head with a straight edge, I've seen both heads and blocks need to be milled. Get a FACTORY Toyota HG and new head bolts or ARP studs if you've got alittle extra coin. Like daniresch said, check/replace timing chain guides while you're there... I always run the metal backed ones as well. 

[toyodaaddict]

if the po did the head gasket with the intention of selling the truck quality may not have been a top priority and steps where likely overlooked.  you cant put a gasket between a warped head/block and expect it to last. machine work is often needed. changing a head gasket is not exactly fun so if you do it do it right. factory gasket is the ONLY way to go. id suggest replacing the timing chain aswell as the guides/tentioner and the oil pump check its condition or get a new one.

[kllangeland [OP]]

I've got the 4runner back out of storage now.  New Thermostat, flushed radiator, good cap, inspected water pump ... overheats and blows the coolant out after driving 3 miles.  I'm going to check / tighten the head bolts this weekend to see if that helps ... There isn't evidence of coolant in the oil or coming out the pipe so I'm not sure it's the gasket .. hopefully not.  But if not I have no idea what's going on...

[Nation]

Compression test each cylinder.

[81 shortbed]

you wont always get coolant in the oil. try putting a tester on radiator when engine is cold. start engine and watch gauge. it shouldnt build pressure until thermostat opens. chances are that you've blown the head gasket and if you keep overheating it you'll warp the head if it isn't already. your wasting your time checking head bolt torque. if they aren't torqued right you still need to replace the head gasket. tear that biotch apart!

[kllangeland [OP]]

Ok - I plan on getting a hold of some gauges (I hear autozone rents many for free) to test that as well as cylinder leak, exhaust in coolant, etc. 

I hope you're wrong - we'll try to find out soon! I need to get this thing right again asap!

[zippo]

You can buy them cheap and even make a leak down tester, from an old broken spark plug and a welder.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/two-minute-tech/2min-125/make-a-leak-down-test-tool

[kllangeland [OP]]

Well I've got it torn down in the garage.  Head is coming off this weekend hopefully.  I'll most likely get it decked so I don't have to worry about it being warped.  I've got a new gasket ready ... sure hope it does the trick!

[kllangeland [OP]]

You can buy them cheap and even make a leak down tester, from an old broken spark plug and a welder.

http://www.powerblocktv.com/two-minute-tech/2min-125/make-a-leak-down-test-tool

That's great! I'll be making one of those