Frustrated by Engine Overheating: Please help !!

[kohokoho]

So finally, I took my 88 Camry (164K) to a certified repair shop after the temp gage showed HOT (occasionally touching the red mark) throughout a 15 min long drive. The shop did a PS1 (pressure ?) test in the cooling system and told me that the head gasket was blown. The radiator has some fins missing too. There was no apparent external coolant leak. They told me I had two options:
1. Replace the head gasket and check for cracks in the cylinder which would cost around $1500. They were also not sure if the if it would be a good idea to replace the gasket at this many miles.

2. Replace the motor (engine);cost around $1200-1500, with labor.

Now I am having a hard time making a decision on what to do. I would definitley want to be certain that those are my only two options before letting the car go. I had bought this car at 158K for $850 and have been enjoying driving it, specially after the $180 tune-up yesterday which has made the car run literally like new (amazing smoothness !) At this point, I am just praying that it's not the gasket. This is the only car I have and my only means of getting to and from work. I would like to hear from you all what your opinions are on other possible causes of overheating. What are some symptoms of blown head gasket? Is replacing the gasket really worth that much ? Could it just be the radiator? Do I have other options? I am frustrated...Please help !

[Brian R.]

How fast do you lose coolant? Did you overheat because of low coolant or not?

Do you overheat when the radiator is full?

[kohokoho]

Originally, I thought there was coolant consumption, and I used to fill the radiator tank every morning for a few days, and it used to control the temp gage for a while. But yesterday, I noted that the coolant tank was overfilled so I stopped adding coolant in the radiator. I don't think that the engine overheated when I filled the radiator.

[Brian R.]

Now that your cooling system is full, see if you still overheat. Keep it full. See how fast you lose coolant. Post results after a week or so.

[ProMan]

Check your EGR system. If it's clogged, clean it.

Also, if the gasket is blown, the coolant could come into either the cylinder or the engine body. See if your exhaust has white steam come out and it smell like coolant? Take off the engine filler cap, see if there is white gel in it. Either indicate the gasket is bad.

$1500 for replacing an engine? Sound like a pretty good deal. Normally it costs around $3500 (parts and labor).

[Tercel GTS]

when cold, if you remove the radiator cap and start the car, does it blow the coolant out?

[animal401]

I am having similar problems right now. Took my 93' camry out to get a movie the other night, short drive and noticed the engine temp was very high. As I pulled into the garage I saw the coolant all over the floor in a nice big puddle. I took a quick look at the rad because it is not in the best shape, it wasn't coming from the rad. I took the car to a buddy's shop and he looked at it shortly, pressure test seemed OK. He is going to look at the pump and go from there however, it appears to be a gasket problem the leak looks like it is coming from around the head. I know this will be alot of work but, is it worth it? I have no idea about this type of problem.

[Brian R.]

It's worth it as long as the car isn't a pile of junk to begin with.

[kohokoho]

here are some updates:

I have been able to drive about 725 miles since my last post without the engine 'overheating'. But throughout this mileage, I have had to keep my heater fan running at HOT to avoid the temp gage going up.[I know its very hot air inside the car, but I don't seem to have any other option for now to keep the engine 'cool'. I put it on defrost and roll down the windows]. Some observations throughout this mileage:

1. The coolant level in the reservoir tank seems to remain almost same.

2. I added the coolant in the radiator tank (because the reservoir tank was still almost full) today after the gage went up. [The gage goes up if I don't turn on the heater to HOT]. It did take about one quart of the coolant.

3. I have checked the oil and haven't noticed any 'milky' stuff in it. Nor odd-colored smoke from the exhaust.

4. I have frequently checked for external leaks under the engine, but haven't seen anything. I am yet to properly inspect the engine for leaks..and the radiator, hoses clamps etc.

So, do the above conditions hint towards anything? I really doubt the need of replacing the engine specially after the fact that I could drive so many miles avoiding the overheating by having the heater On and filling the coolant in the radiator when needed. what do you all say? Am I missing anything? thanks !

[csaxon]

Feel around the radiator or use a spot temperature sensor and if you have cool or cold spots then your radiator may be partially clogged. Has the thermostat ever been replaced? It may be sticking partially open. The water pump may be on its last legs and not circulating fluid efficiently. A 1988 car has the potential to be heavily corroded in the cooling system especially when you say that some radiator fins are missing.

[calvic]

I too have a 1988, mine has 285,000 miles. I started losing coolant and saw a wet spot on top of the radiator. I replaced the radiator but the engine continued loosing water. Mine had a bad head gasket and was blowing coolant out the exhaust. I never saw it smoke or drip water out the exhaust, it just turned to steam. I had the head gasket replaced and everthing is cool (so to speak) If the pressure test shows a bad head gasket throw a new one at it. If not go for the used $1500 motor, it sure beats the crap out of car payments and if you buy another used one you don't know how bad it may be. I'm keeping mine till the wheels fall off.

JJ

[animal401]

Update on my car. Head gasket needs to be replaced, water pump was fine. I am going to replace the radiator and the timing belt at the same time. I saw the price of a "head gasket set" and almost cried $890 or so canadian dollars. Now my buddy said that I didn't need the whole set only some components which can be purchased seperately. It will be at least two days labour, I beleive. Is it true that the 4Runner has the same engine as the 93 Camry? And had gasket problem? Anyone know anything?

[Toyrolla]

There's a recall for 96-98 4-runners with the V6 engine. Recall code from my brother's recall notice slip was 'X01'. It was for the head gasket and he took it in to the Toyota dealer to replace it. Got it back 2 days later.

This 4-Runner affected by the recall model has the 3.4L 5VZ-FE, whereas the 93 Camry has the 3VZ-FE 3.0L model.