92 Camry heat problem

Tiny
TANGO
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
My 92 Camry LE is having problems with the idle and shifting after getting hot. It only gets burning hot at the engine block itself, nothing around it. After getting hot, it takes longer to shift when it gets to 40mph through 50mph. No check engine light has come on.
Monday, April 11th, 2011 AT 11:52 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Is the temperature gauge showing a high reading?

Are the cooling fans working?

Whe overheating occurs, it can affect the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor which would be read by the computer and affects performances.

Regarding the idling, if it is too low, get the throttle body and Idle Air Control valve cleaned and readjust the idling speed.

Ensure the coolant level in radiaotr is good. Check when engine is cold.
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Monday, April 11th, 2011 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
TANGO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No. The gauge never goes above the middle line.
The cooling fans do work. I've also had my system flushed and all new coolant was put in and while they did it they inspected for leaks of any kind. Plus I have put a stop leak in the radiator, just as a precaution by advice of the people who changed my coolant.
The idle is just rough, it's not too far above or below the normal line.
I have been told that it might be a blown head gasket, or possibly the transmission. Then on the other hand I have been told that I just need a new radiator, or to clean everything and make sure there's nothing blocked or gunked up.
Not sure which way to go on this spectrum of maintenance.
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Monday, April 11th, 2011 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
A radiator problem would not cause erratic idling.

Have the compression checked to see if they are within specs.

Differences in compression pressure can cause erratic idling and it could be due to leaking valves, cylinder head or piston rings.

Have the valve clearances checked and ensure they are within specs.
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Monday, April 11th, 2011 AT 7:51 PM

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