Overheating--cant stop it!

I have a 95 2WD 6 clyinder runner with about 150k. I have recently ran into problems with overheating. First, I had the top tank of the radiatior replaced that had a little overflow on it. About two weeks later my temperature gauge started moving all around between normal (1/2 way) and high, or steady on high. I immediatley took it back in. The gauge seemed to lower a little while at consistent speeds and worsen in traffic or while idling. The mechanics then replaced the thermostat and some belts (not timing). One week later, the problem has come back and much worse. Before I had never had much (if any) smoke or stench. Today it could not run 2 miles without severe stench and rising smoke from hood. The car was also extremely shaky. The gauge immediately rose to the highest position. My heater is only producing cold air and my exhaust seemed to reek of a different horrible smell.

What the hell? I have no idea what to do, and am extremely frustrated. Is it a gasket or engine problem? Pumps or hoses?

ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Well since you JUST had radiator work done check your coolant level.
Start by checking it cold. Be extremely careful opening it when its hot.
But it may as simple as an air lock and "burping" the bubble out.
or it could be as bad as a blown head gasket. Both are very possible.
It is unfortunate that the engine overheated to the point of smoking, not good, the engine and components will sustain damage when overheated that much.
check your coolant level first then keep an eye on it if it "disappears" then it may be head gasket.
Really need more information.

Normally the way I bleed cooling system is I park the truck with the front wheels raised remove the radiator cap only when the engine is completely cold then I turn it on and poor only red Toyota low silicates coolant (reduces corrosion build up) along with water making sure the ratio is 50/50 or similar.

Then move your heater slide switch to HOT and as the engine warms up turn the heater from low to med to high doing this repeatedly even after the engine enters closed loop mode (when thermostat opens at 190 degree Ferenheit which is about 10 minutes of idling).While at this squeeze both top and bottom radiator hoses and increase the engine RPM gradually up & down to further make sure there are no tiny air bubbles trapped left.

Top off the rad again (once stat opens) then wait another 10 minutes until the stat opens again and repeat the all of the above instructions,when done place rad cap and allow truck to cool down or take for a test drive if you hear water guirling noises from heater control area you still have air trapped (highly unlikely).

If problem still there which I assume from your description then one or both of your cylinder head gasket blews and one or both cylinder heads are warped and require re-surfacing.

To test for cylinder headgasket/s leaks and cylinder head warpage I would begin by performing a basic engine coolant pressure test followed by a leak down test and a fluid analys kit test by heading to your nearest Caterpillar dealer or any local heavy duty repair shop and purchasing a fluid analysis kit for $15-20 and take a sample of your coolant fluid.

Sidney® ™
Repairs tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home
E-mail:sidneybek@yahoo.com
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia
Canada
1985 Toyota 4-Runner,solid front straight axle,factory cruise control,sunroof,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 249 000 KM

Sidney,
I noticed you said to only use the red Toyota coolant. Last Sept. I had mine flushed and they put in the standard green. Heard that could be real bad. Should I have it flushed again with the red?
There has also been a few times recently on warmer days that when turned, off the radiator sounds like it's boiling into the overflow. But the temp. is OK and no warning lights.

The "boiling" into the overflow is somewhat normal but the overflow tank should be kept at its full mark to prevent air from being sucked back into the radiator as it cools down.

When "burping" a V6 both heater controls should be opened. Not just the front.

Sidney,
I noticed you said to only use the red Toyota coolant. Last Sept. I had mine flushed and they put in the standard green. Heard that could be real bad. Should I have it flushed again with the red?
There has also been a few times recently on warmer days that when turned, off the radiator sounds like it's boiling into the overflow. But the temp. is OK and no warning lights.

I would say yes have it COMPLETELY flushed again and use distilled water,rain water or snow water NOT TAP WATER.

Sidney® ™
Repairs tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home
E-mail:sidneybek@yahoo.com
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia
Canada
1985 Toyota 4-Runner,solid front straight axle,factory cruise control,sunroof,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 249 000 KM

I have a 95 2WD 6 clyinder runner with about 150k. I have recently ran into problems with overheating. First, I had the top tank of the radiatior replaced that had a little overflow on it. About two weeks later my temperature gauge started moving all around between normal (1/2 way) and high, or steady on high. I immediatley took it back in. The gauge seemed to lower a little while at consistent speeds and worsen in traffic or while idling. The mechanics then replaced the thermostat and some belts (not timing). One week later, the problem has come back and much worse. Before I had never had much (if any) smoke or stench. Today it could not run 2 miles without severe stench and rising smoke from hood. The car was also extremely shaky. The gauge immediately rose to the highest position. My heater is only producing cold air and my exhaust seemed to reek of a different horrible smell.

What the hell? I have no idea what to do, and am extremely frustrated. Is it a gasket or engine problem? Pumps or hoses?

ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!
runnergirl : Re... Over heating , I have a 94 4runner 4x4 and the head gasket was the cause of all my problems and they were very similar to yours. So as already mentioned have a pressure test to make sure your not leaking your coolant into your engine through your head gasket..Also test the coolant line going to your rear Heater to your back seats, that one can also give you the same problem if it's leaking.
Good Luck
OzzyO

Have the radiator presure tested. This will locate any leaks in the cooling system.

Check your oil. If it looks like a chocolate milkshake, you have coolant in the oil, which means a blown headgasket, or worse.