1993 Toyota Camry Engine heating up, heater blowing warm an

MAMAKIN10

MEMBER
1993 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
28,300 MILES

The last few weeks I've noticed the temperature gauge rising. We checked the radiator, and it looked foamy. As I drive with the heater on, sometimes it's warm and other times it's cool. One day the temperature gauge rose to 3/4 and only stayed stable when I had it on cruise. We attempted to flush the radiator, and it was a cedar brown, thick, foamy color. We thinned it out but assume it needs a pressure flush. There doesn't seem to be any water in the oil, it looks normal. As we were flushing it, the temperature gauge stayed at the normal rate. Wondering if it could be a thermostat or more serious issues?

6 Replies

F4I_GUY

MECHANIC
3,302 POSTS

To test the thermostat, at operating temperature both radiator hoses should be around the same temperature if the thermostat is fully opened.

However, it sounds like you may have a headgasket issue. It would be wise to do a leakdown test on the cylinders.

Did the coolant look like a chocolate milkshake?

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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 8:41 PM

MAMAKIN10

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3 POSTS

Yes, the coolant did look like a milkshake, thick and brown. We attempted to manually flush it and it did seem to thin out but not go clear.

That's what I was afraid of, a head gasket issue. It's been a great little car and I haven't had to do much to it except regular maintenance.

Do you have any idea how much a head gasket will cost if we do it? I remember my mom replaced a head gasket in a Taurus, and it was about $900 including labor.

Thank you so much for your help with this issue!

Peace, J

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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 9:26 PM

F4I_GUY

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3,302 POSTS

J,

It'll probably be a tiny bit cheaper than the taurus since your toyota is a 4 cylinder and they are a lot easier to do the job on.

However, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a headgasket. You may have a warped deck, cracked sleeve, cracks in your cylinder head, etc. Make sure if you do go through with the job, the cylinder head is sent to a machine shop to be re-surfaced and fully checked out for cracks.

Goodluck.

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Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 5:58 PM

MAMAKIN10

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3 POSTS

F-41 Guy,

Thanks a lot for your advice! My boyfriend said he could probably do the job but it's nice to have some extra information to ask about.

So it doesn't sound impossible or that I've killed the car! As I said before it's been a great little car and my first experience with a foreign vehicle. My mom's mechanic told her that year's ago to buy foreign cars, and only American trucks.

Go Toyota! What do you think about the Tundra? That will be my next four wheel drive!

Thanks a lot and I appreciate your information! Take care!

Peace, J

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Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 7:21 PM

F4I_GUY

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I am a huge import lover, especially with Toyota and Honda. So of course I love the Tundra. I believe it won truck of the year in 2008 as well. Unfortunately, they are a bit more expensive when compared to it's domestic competitors but it's well worth the extra money! If I was in the market for a new truck, the Tundra would be my first choice as well!

And you are welcome, if your boyfriend or you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.