Please help...00 GS 300

After driving for 20-30 minutes the temperature gauge starts rising above normal while idling at a light or sitting in traffic. Also experiencing a white smoky vapor with sweet antifreeze smell coming from the vents. The problem only occurs while idling, then as I drive the gauge goes back to normal (mid-way) position. I have a new radiator and thermostat/gasket, so I am not sure what else could be the problem.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

Perhaps the thermostat was installed upside down ? hey , it has happened before .
Can it be that the new Thermostat is defective ? I would have checked its functioning before install . Thermostats are tricky and come with different parameters and temp openings . Check that you have the same type that your car uses .

 

Perhaps the fan motors were never plugged back in the harness...

 

if its coming through your vents I would check the heater core, it may be leaking, you need to add some coolant because its obviously low, most cars get hot at idle like that when the fluid is low.

 

thanks for the suggestion. coolant not water, correct?

 

My thoughts too.

 

No water .
And check the type of coolant you use . Toyota uses mostly a different coolant type , red in color . It doesn`t mix with the green , regular coolant .

 

[QUOTE=josey88;8505296]No water .
And check the type of coolant you use . Toyota uses mostly a different coolant type , red in color . It doesn`t mix with the green , regular coolant .[/QUOTE

There is already green coolant in it. Keep green? Flush?

 

[QUOTE=es2gs;8505564]Toyota red coolant is made for cars that have aluminum radiators and components, etc . It keeps the system safe from corrosion and built up .
Check the type of coolant that you should use ; if it is the red type , after you fix that heat problem , go to the Dealer (I know, it is going to cost you ) and buy the Toyota red coolant . I think you will need 2 or 3 gallons, not sure . You can ask at the dealer .
Then , flush real well and put the red stuff in .

As a note , I just went to check mine . I took the radiator cap off and with a light I looked thru it inside to check the tubing ... the inside of my radiator looks like it was installed yesterday and the red coolant is perfectly transparent , no built up , nothing ... and my GS-400 is 14 years old. That should tell how good that red stuff really is . Never have replaced the coolant ,either .