1997 Toyota Pickup Slow to Heat up

HOWIELAM

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA PICKUP
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
68,000 MILES

My '97 Tocoma 2.4L started to heat up very slowly last winter. It takes much longer than normal for the temp gauge to reach the halfway point. Even afterward, I am getting little heat inside the cabin. Here are the things I have done yet the problem still exists:

1) Replaced thermostat (twice in a week).
2) Put cardboard in front of radiator to block cold air.
3) Replaced radiator cap.
4) Verified the heater core valve at the firewall to operate properly.

I read from some Forums that people with similar problem was able to correct it by replacing the water pump. It does not make sense to me ! If the water pump is a culprit, the engine would have overheated instead of slow to warm up.

Winter is right around the corner. Please help !

4 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Could be the heater core clogged-up Try this find the feed side of the heater hose disconnect the other side start truck up coolant should come out

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Sunday, September 7th, 2008 AT 3:48 AM

HOWIELAM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks Rasmataz for replying. But how does a clogged heater core explain the temperature gauge taking a long time to reach the halfway point (normal operating temp). It used to take only 5 minutes and I am roasted. Now it takes like 15 minutes and I am still shrivering.

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Sunday, September 7th, 2008 AT 10:25 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

You did the thermostat 2x the purpose of it is to control engine temperature. For some reason you're heating up in 5 mins. Now your not getting it if there's no coolant flow thru the heater core you ain't gonna get it. Pull both of the hoses from the heater core and see if coolant is coming out of the hose. If so it might be clogged up.

Water pump not working it will overheat within 5 mins. BTDT-start the vehicle up and let it warm-up and feel for cold spot across the radiator if so the Rad is clogged blocking the flow of coolant.

BTW is the thermostat installed correctly with the jiggle valve in proper place.

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Monday, September 8th, 2008 AT 4:40 AM

HOWIELAM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi rasmataz,

checked the heater core and confirmed it is NOT clogged.

I noticed one thing that is strange: the radiator fan runs even in the morning when I fisrt started the car (AC off). The car has sat all night and the engine is cold ! Is this normal? On this model ('97 Tacoma 2.4L 4-cyl 2WD), does the fan run full time? Variable speed? If variable speed, where is the sensor to control the speed?

Help help help !

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Friday, September 12th, 2008 AT 12:53 PM