Running hot
01-14-13, 01:35 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Running hot
Hi all, recently my "new to me" 2000 Lx470 has been running a bit hot. It's not overheating, but the gauge is moving up toward the red during long idle or even while on the interstate at 75 mph while climbing hills. I ordered a new t-stat and even a fan clutch for the hell of it. Will report back if that solves it.
On a side note, I picked up the Toyota coolant at the dealer and asked the parts guy if they also had a gallon of distilled water. He said in the 30 yrs he had worked there they have always used tap water and they have never had a problem. I replied that I was sure it wasn't a problem for them, but it was for the poor smuck that buys a used toyota with tap water in it. He wasn't amused.
96 LS400
03 LS430
00 LX470
On a side note, I picked up the Toyota coolant at the dealer and asked the parts guy if they also had a gallon of distilled water. He said in the 30 yrs he had worked there they have always used tap water and they have never had a problem. I replied that I was sure it wasn't a problem for them, but it was for the poor smuck that buys a used toyota with tap water in it. He wasn't amused.
96 LS400
03 LS430
00 LX470
01-31-13, 02:22 PM
#2
Pole Position
Thread Starter
The new thermostat and fan clutch did the trick although I suspect it was a thermostat problem. Both that and the fan clutch are an easy change so after 125k or so I thought what the hay.
After doing some research, some people always suspect the radiator is plugged and they suggest the best way to check is if the radiator is hot on top and cold on the bottom. This would apparently point to a clogged up radiator. I can report that after warming the engine on mine the top of the radiator was indeed hot---I could hardly leave my hand on it. And after shutting the motor off and feeling the bottom of the radiator it was cold to the touch. With that I figured mine was clogged too. However, it now runs perfectly with the temp gauge froze right in the middle of the range. I'd always change the easy/cheap items first. We will see how it is when it's 100 outside.
After doing some research, some people always suspect the radiator is plugged and they suggest the best way to check is if the radiator is hot on top and cold on the bottom. This would apparently point to a clogged up radiator. I can report that after warming the engine on mine the top of the radiator was indeed hot---I could hardly leave my hand on it. And after shutting the motor off and feeling the bottom of the radiator it was cold to the touch. With that I figured mine was clogged too. However, it now runs perfectly with the temp gauge froze right in the middle of the range. I'd always change the easy/cheap items first. We will see how it is when it's 100 outside.
02-19-13, 08:09 PM
#3
Every dealer/shop I've ever seen uses tap water to mix with coolant. That's why when I had my 90K t-belt service done at the dealer, I brought my own Toyota red coolant and distilled water. It also depends on how hard the water is where you live. If you're in AZ/NM/CA or anywhere using Colorado River water, the water is very HARD...30+ grains isn't uncommon. The only thing worse than tap water is mixing red & green coolant.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post