1992, V6, Overheating, Steam - vents, new thermostat, using coolant.

thermostat, it was bad. It worked okay for a couple of days and then yesterday I noticed it was overheating so I stopped and steam was pouring out of the vents. I filled up the radiator and resevoir with coolant/water and even more steam poured out of the vents. Like I said I have replaced the thermostat, does anyone have any ideas what else might be there problem? I really appreciate it. Thanks. Sounds like the heater core is leaking.

thermostat, it was bad. It worked okay for a couple of days and then yesterday I noticed it was overheating so I stopped and steam was pouring out of the vents. I filled up the radiator and resevoir with coolant/water and even more steam poured out of the vents. Like I said I have replaced the thermostat, does anyone have any ideas what else might be there problem? I really appreciate it. Thanks.

When you added water, did you have the engine running? Sometimes the shock of cold water flooding into a hot engine, will cause sudden temperature changes within the heads which can if you''re unlucky, crack the head. A running engine will rapidly mix the incoming cold water with the hot coolant.

If the t\stat is buggered, and the engine didn't get too hot or suffer from effect above,... the engine should survive. Use a Toyota replacement t\stat, they cost more, but don't fail straight away.

If the engine continues to lose coolant, the heads will need to be removed and checked for warp and cracking. One easy way to test for problems, is to crank the engine with the ignition off and plugs removed (altho on the V6 the back 3 are difficult to get at. Any head-gasket, or head problems will cause water to be forced out of the plug hole while cranking. Hold your palm about 2 inches from the plug-hole,.. sometimes its only a mist,..any sign of water/coolant at all points to problems tho.

Jason

I agree, sounds like your heater core is responsible for your coolant loss. Scott