1995 Lexus ES 300 Car running hot at idle

FLOTOWN50

MEMBER
1995 LEXUS ES 300
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
245,000 MILES

Thanks for taking my question!

95 Lexus ES300, 245K miles w/ hydraulic radiator fan system. Car runs hot after an extended idle, especially when its over 80-90 degrees outside. At an extended ide, the therm. Gauge gets almost up to the very top and after I get moving again, about up to about 50mph, the therm. Gauge gos back down to normal and stays there, that is, until I im at another red light for a few minutes and then it starts running hot again, its really annoying.

I took my car to a professional radiator mechanic and Ive already replaced the thermostat, flushed the radiator, had the radiator removed and rodded out and there is no apparent water pump leak. There also is no leak in the power steering system since I have been told that the hydraulic fan runs off of the PS system.

My radiator fan does operate, but it for sure does not move as fast as my wife's car which has an electric fan motor, but I have no idea as to what would be deemed an adequate speed for my car. I'm pretty much lost for answers. I hope I've given enough detail, but thats all I can think of at this moment. Thanks again,

Blake

4 Replies

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

Hi.
We know the cooling system is working ok, cause it cools down when you are driving and air is flowing through the radiator.

You're most likely correct that the fan is turning too slow.

The 3 things that effect the speed of the fan are:
1. The PS pump, there are actually 2 parts to the pump, 1 half pump the oil for your steering rack, the other half pumps oil for the cooling fan.

2. The electrical stuff. A solenoid valve, engine temp sensor and computerized control unit.

3. The fan motor.

There are tests that can be performed to diagnose which part is bad. It will require common hand tools, a special oil pressure gauge, and the time to disassemble and reassemble various parts of the system.

Let me know if you plan to tackle this job yourself and i'll email the testing information to you.

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Saturday, May 8th, 2010 AT 4:11 PM

FLOTOWN50

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank Buddy for the fast reply.

Since I wrote this message, I have, in fact, noticed a small power steering fluid leak. I wouldnt call it a "bad" leak, but its def. There. I have used some Lucas Oil Power Steering Treatment and the leak has almost grinded to a halt but its still slightly noticable. It's also one of those leaks that I could live with (assuming its not the fan culprit).

Would this change your assessment of my situation?

Also, I appreciate your offer for emailing the testing info. But I'm not really that mechanically inclined. My goal is to get enough help so that I can point a mechanic in the right direction with your info. Since nobody here seems to work with hyrdraulic fan systems anymore lol.

Also, when I turn on the AC, you can hear fan click and the fan does turn a "tad" faster but it still isn't anything to brag about.

After the additional info I gave you, which of your 3 options do you think was most likely the cause?

Do you, or could you, email me a link of the fan motor model I would need to order (Flotown50@aol. Com)? I saw one online but it says to use iit if you DONT have the hydraulic system.

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Monday, May 10th, 2010 AT 3:54 PM

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

You may never get it to work correctly with the fluid leak. If any air gets in to the system (say where the leak is and the engine is off) you have to follow a procedure to bleed the whole system.

This is my recommendation, but I'll try to help you no matter what route you chose.
If this was my mom's car. I would remove the hydraulic fan. Splice the hoses together, like you would to bypass a leaking heater core. And install an aftermarket electrical fan kit.

I'm not sure what you are asking me about the fan motor model you need.

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Monday, May 10th, 2010 AT 6:22 PM

FLOTOWN50

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Makes perfect sense Buddy. That was my next question and you answered it. I was looking into getting a conversion kit. I'll let you know how that gos! But I think your right, it will never be perfect with even a little leak. But what car with 250K is ya know? Thanks again! Blake

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Monday, May 10th, 2010 AT 6:41 PM