Overheating Camry

[stmg]

My much loved Camry is getting hot under the collar!

Radiator head cracked, hairline, then gushing, which lead to a lot of water and some high temperatures until we got a new radiator fitted.
now the poor girl gets hot. The gauge is normal but the water is bubbling through the coolant reservoir. Not much is lost, probably just a bit of steam and spit. Took out the thermostat as thought this might trashed by the hot episodes or even the cause of the crack in the first place if closed and could stil be blocking the system but can now see the water flowing over the radiator so I guess the pump is doing its bit..meanwhile she still gets hot!

Trying to avoid the words 'head gasket' could it be a fan problem or anything else......? She does not lose water and a chemical test of the coolant came up negative for a gasket breach?

Anyone had similar symptoms which could be sorted without an engine build! Understand someone had a similar problem which just 'went away' - bliss! (See Overheating problems...help)

Any ideas...?

[Brian R.]

Sounds like you need to replace the gasket that goes between the head and the block.

Put the thermostat back.

[Bmaintz]

Here is a easy way to check for a slowleaking headgasket.... Let the Camry set overnight after driving.... Pull out the plugs (be gentle on the ign. wires)
Take a straighten clothes hanger, attach a small cotton rag or cotton ball & attach to end by bending clothes hanger.... Probe each cylinder, if it comes out wet & GREEN then the headgasket is leaking.... I had a Caravan that had a slow leak, would loose a little antifreeze, always had to top it off.... Let us know what you find.....

[Brian R.]

Don't say the H...G.. word.

If you put anything in the cylinders, be careful that it doesn't get left behind. If you don't find antifreeze in the cylinders, it doesn't mean your gasket is good. The leak could be one way and only leak air from the cylinders into the water jacket. I think you are wasting your time. Air bubbling into the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot can only come from the cylinders through the HG.