Engine was running hot at 60 MPH?

Tiny
ALXREYES
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 TOYOTA TUNDRA
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Engine was running hot at 60 MPH, so I had thermostat replaced. Continued to run hot. Since then, I have replaced the fan clutch, radiator cap, water pump, serpentine belt, belt tensioner and made sure there were no obstructions on radiator. Running around town runs normally, slightly below half. As soon as I get on the freeway and hit 60+ MPH it starts to heat up around 3/4 never overheats but does run hot.
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 2:02 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Most of the time this will be a clogged radiator, sometimes it can be a blown head gasket, is the coolant level ever low? If so, and there are no leaks this could be the problem. here is a guide to go over to help understand what the problem might be as well. I would check the outside fins of the radiator and try to use a garden hose to power wash the core from mud and debris.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Here is how to change the radiator out. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems.
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
ALXREYES
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The coolant is never low. Is speed is lowered below 50 the temperature goes back to normal it only goes up during higher speeds. I will order a new radiator and hoses and see if that resolves issue.
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
How hot is it actually getting? Not the gauge on the dash but hook up a scan tool that can read the actual temperature the sensor sees. Then use an IR thermometer to verify the temperature by checking the hoses and radiator. Say you check and the radiator shows 180 over most of it but has an area that is only ambient temperature, which would show it has an issue. However, if you do that and don't see anything, but the temperature says 180 and the gauge is reading high it could be a bad sensor.
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Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 AT 10:13 PM

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