V6 Petrol Overheating problem

[Burf Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Burf]

Hoping someone can give me some clues here...

I have a 2000 V6 Petrol and have not had any major issues other than replacing the air flow meter however have now had an overheating problem twice while towing my caravan.

In the 9 years I have owned it the temp gauge has not moved from the same position however 2 weeks ago while driving up a hill the gauge went crazy and the overflow blew spewing coolant everywhere but I was able to stop quickly. Got the car checked and radiator pressure tested and there where no issues and the car has been fine since until this weekend when the same thing happened however I was able to stop quicker and the overflow did not pop.

Does anyone have clues on what may be the problem? Radiator cap is ok and I cannot see any leaks so I am stumped.

Any theories would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Tim

[rossy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rossy]

Re: V6 Petrol Overheating problem

hi offroadrules,it could be the engine fan coupling failing.the coupling locks the fan up when it gets hot, if it fails there is no air flow through the radiator causing the car to over heat ?cheers rossy.

[Taresk Member Find all posts View Profile Close Taresk]

Re: V6 Petrol Overheating problem

Hi, when you say you got the car checked, did they pull out the thermostat to see if it's still good? did they check the water pump?

[Burf Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Burf]

Re: V6 Petrol Overheating problem

They said they did it all and pressure tested the radiator. It is back in there today getting it all checked again and the radiator is getting flushed. Trouble is when I am just driving around town it doesn't overheat it only happens towing the van (so under load).

[GH4wd Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close GH4wd]

Re: V6 Petrol Overheating problem

I agree with rossy, sounds like the viscous coupling fluid in the engine fan has given up. Easy way to check it is when the car is started (cold engine) the coupling will be locked in & the fan will roar like crazy for about a minute or so & then go quiet as it disengages. It will lock in again as engine temperature rises to a certain point. If it's not doing that then there's the problem. You can buy viscous coupling fluid from Toyota spare parts.

Cheers,

Glenn

[Burf Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Burf]

Re: V6 Petrol Overheating problem

Cheers for that. I will check it out and see what I can find there.

Tim

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: V6 Petrol Overheating problem

Easy way to check it is when the car is started (cold engine) the coupling will be locked in & the fan will roar like crazy for about a minute or so & then go quiet as it disengages. It will lock in again as engine temperature rises to a certain point. If it's not doing that then there's the problem. You can buy viscous coupling fluid from Toyota spare parts.

It shouldn't be locked when starting a cold engine. It should only lock up when hot.

Overhaul info thread here:

http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic....ous+fan#p92442

Mick