93 Toyota Corolla overheating

JOHNDEERE4

MEMBER
1993 TOYOTA COROLLA

I have a 1993 Toyota Corolla (auto, 4 cyl, 213K) thats overheating. It takes a long time for the heat to become hot. Temp guage stays level if I have the heat on and stay off the expressway. I replaced the thermastat and flushed out the rad.

Got an estimate from my local Midas and they wanted to replace all the heating and cooling system from the rad to heat pump to all the belts and hoses. They estimated $2500. The car is worth $1500 tops.

How do a approach a shop to get the problem fixed but have them understand the "economics" of the situation. Then I asked the Midas service writer what was my options he said that I needed to replace everything.

I want to save the car but if its going to cost more to repair than its worth, I think my only option is to trade it in and buy another car. This wont help the service shop but right now I feel it's my only option.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

John

3 Replies

FISHERMAN

MECHANIC
938 POSTS

Hello John that`s a ripoff.

Well to start have see your cooling fan to start when the temp. Gauge reaches about 1/3 of the scale?

As soon as you turn on the A/C the auxiliary fan starts good?

Its the engine running smooth?

Let us know on your findings.

Those Guys at Midas. Well.

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Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 AT 11:50 AM

JOHNDEERE4

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Fishman, thank for the reply.

The cooling fan does kick in but I think it starts more like 1 2 of the scale. The A/C hasnt worked for about 2 years now and nothing happens when I turn it on. I havent noticed a change in with the engine since the problems started. It runs a bit rough but I would rate it as the same as before.

The person I felt bad for at Midas was the service tech. The shop had one other car in the bay (shop has 8 stalls) and nothing in the parking lot. Hard for them to make any money when a paying client is walking out. I told the guy I was sorry but there was nothing I could do. I understand the risks and the car is will never be perfect (it looks bad but until this problem it ran ok). I wouldnt be suprised if they have turnover problems with their techs. Hard to keep talent if your turning down jobs. Maybe I'm missing something.

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Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 AT 7:51 PM

FISHERMAN

MECHANIC
938 POSTS

You Know John.
You have good feelings, but, How about you?
You work hard for your money. I think sometimes you have to "see" for yourself.
What if the owner keeps 80% of the income?

Well lets get back to your car.

This Sounds like a flow problem or on the worst scenario a blown head gasket.

I recommend you to do an a compression test, ( or chemical tested) for a blown head gasket
that way we know for sure if the engine still good or not.

Question: when you turn the heater blows hot or cold air?
Have you "purge" your engine? (Remove air from the cooling system)

Let me know.

Good Luck!

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Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 AT 8:20 PM