Engine overheat and cool air -thermostat?

Cross-posted to Chrysler and Subaru groups? That must be some mongrel vehicle you got.

Phil

Add Acura to the list. What type of car is this? It really does make a difference.

Mike

Toyota Pickup 1988

Cross-posting? The Newsgroups header in the OP's message only contains a single newsgroup (this one). Maybe you meant *multi*-posting.

Then don't post in a specific-topic newsgroup if you aren't going to discuss a specific brand. This is a SUBARU group! Post in a general group, like alt.cars or alt.autos. If you want specific help with your Toyota then go post in alt.autos.toyota!

You never mentioned if you let the engine cool down (so you can remove the radiator cap without any pressure behind it and let any bubbling settle out) and check the coolant level in the radiator. If the coolant is too low, it isn't going to get out the top radiator hose to the engine. You didn't mention how fast you were driving on your way home. Could be you were on the highway and had enough speed for airflow to keep the engine cooled off enough (although you said you had red-lined it by the time you got home). Besides the thermostat, low coolant level in the radiator can do the same thing that you mentioned.

No heat from the heater typically is caused by no coolant flow. Reasons for no coolant flow: sytem has an air pocket, coolant level low, water pump failing, radiator clogged. You can determine a lot by just touching things when the engine overheats. Feel all the hoses and the top, center and bottom of the radiator. Everything that is not hot to the touch indicates no flow. My money is on a clogged radiator or a failing water pump. Changing out the thermostat is very easy. No reason why you can't do it yourself. just don't install it up side down. Unlikely you have a leaking head gasket or cracked cylinder head but they are also possibilities.

leaking head gasket or cracked cylinder head but they are also

Hi,

With a 22R engine in his truck, a blown head gasket's at least as likely as w/ any of the so-called "problem" Subies! (Don't ask me or MANY other

But the OP should still go thru the simple things you described first. For a while, the t-stats in these engines were problematic for reasons unknown (which may have led to a lot of the h/g problems, according to my machine shop buddy.)

Rick

Didn't know that but what do I know about Toyotas? Never owned one and just assummed Toyota didn't have problems.

John

Oh, boy!

Anyone who wants to whine about Subaru headgaskets needs to do some research on Toyota's 22R (which also eats front crank seals, for all the folks complaining of Subie oil leaks! :D) and their V-6es, several of which are known for oil leaks and blown headgaskets... again, don't ask me how I know these things! (Ok, just a single clue: there's one of each sitting on my driveway this very minute.) ;) And who's heard of a Subie w/ sludge issues? Take THAT one to a Toyota forum and see what it brings you! Though in all fairness to Toyota, they're not alone w/ ANY of these issues, and, overall, still produce a top quality product that's hard to beat.

Rick

I've owned nothing but Subarus and my 66 Power Wagon I owned before any of the Subarus for 16 years now. I'm getting too old to learn another make and will stick with Subarus to the end. Hope to still have the Dodge when that day comes.

John