1986 Toyota Camry Suddenly started running hot.

AGM2003

MEMBER
1986 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
21,000 MILES

When driving to work this morning(temp 75), went approx 3 miles and temp was ok (gauge at Half), but in the next 3/4 mile suddenly went up to H. I parked it and walked the rest of the way.

Coming home (temp 95), it did fine (Guage at half).
1--I DID have A/C on on the way home (and both fans were working)
After I got home, I noticed both fans were running.
I turned A/C OFF and neither fan was running (gauge still hovering around half).
2--Had NEW Radiator cap both times.

Would this be thermostat or temp sensor to control fan---How can I tell the difference?

4 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Temp sender located near thermostat housing pull plug and jumper fan on replace no fan check relay

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Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 AT 4:12 PM

AGM2003

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3 POSTS

Thanks for your advice---will check it.

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Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 AT 3:54 PM

AGM2003

MEMBER
3 POSTS

1986 Camry LE with 2.0 2S-E engine. 210,000 miles.
New Radiator Cap 50/50 coolant mix

Unplugged fan relay and both fans came on.

I noticed bottom radiator hose was much cooler than top, soI replaced thermostat (not OEM) with 180 degree. Did fine for 3 days.

Then, Saturday morning going to work--it must have overheated as some coolant was on ground. On the way home ran almost to H --(I was ready to pull over AND had "Heater" blowing hot to vent off some heat). After it cooled I looked and radiator is dry--again some coolant on drive.

Note: New thermostat did NOT have vent hole.

Any ideas what's going on?
Thanks in advance for any help.

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Monday, August 4th, 2008 AT 6:48 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

If it ran fine for three days then got hot with coolant loss. Then maybe there is a slow leak. Have system pressure checked to identify any leaks. Also check oil any discoloration and oil filler cap any moisture or chocolate colored substance in cap?
Let me know

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Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 AT 7:54 AM