Is your radiator cool in the center?

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

After driving, my radiator is hot around the top and sides, but cool in the center/bottom. I'm wondering if it's blocked, or perhaps this is normal due to increased air flow through the lower center (in front of fan). Could a few people check their temps?

I'm looking into this because my Prado overheated a couple weeks ago whilst doing low range 4x4ing. The odd thing was that the outside air temperature was very cold.

I've since flushed the system (some gray deposits came out), checked for leaks, cleaned out all fins (externally), and topped up the viscous coupling fan oil (it needed it). I don't know if it's solved, as the overheating is rare. Thus, I'm still looking for any possible causes.

[off2flex Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close off2flex]

Re: Is your radiator cool in the center?

drive around until the engine is in normal operating temperature. normally takes 10- 15 minutes, then check your top and bottom hoses how hot it is. the should be approximately the same temp just by feeling it w/ your bare hands, If the temp is way too different to each other you would have a thermostat problem. Or just simply remove and replace the thermostat and get the radiator service by a radiator guy....

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

Re: Is your radiator cool in the center?

Been out quite a few times since and no more heating issues - it was the viscous coupling oil.

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

Re: Is your radiator cool in the center?

Gray deposits in the flushed water could indicate oil in the radiator water.
I feel it could indicate and issue as the temp should be close to the same top to bottom...

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

Re: Is your radiator cool in the center?

Despite many 4x4 trips without issue, it looks like I spoke too soon...

Last week whilst doing some heavy sand driving at ~2,300 RPM (very soft sand), engine temp went up to 2/3 and the A/T temp light came on. Radiator/overflow was bubbling.

So it's back to the drawing board... The fan works hard enough so I guess it must be the thermostat (?), the cap, or the radiator itself.

PS: Mine's only cool in the centre after a short drive. A long drive it's hot everywhere!

[mastermanoj Member Find all posts View Profile Close mastermanoj]

i thought of continuing the same thread insted of starting a new one

Hello All...... I donno whether this is a coincidence or a human error. Only last week i got the Bull bar and the Winch installed thru TJM .....while drHello All...... I donno whether this is a coincidence or a human error. Only last week i got the Bull bar and the Winch installed thru TJM .....while driving yesterday just noticed the engine Temp close to hot ......stopped the Prado for some time but driving for a 2minutes or so still the same issue . checked the water reserve it was ok well above the Full mark .......but noticed only a thin layer of Coolant and rest all was water .......i donno should i first speak to TJM or should i straight take it to a mechanic . Also Did not notice any particular leaks on any kind of cracks on the radiator

Any suggestions or advise ?

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

i thought of continuing the same thread insted of starting a new one

Hello All...... I donno whether this is a coincidence or a human error. Only last week i got the Bull bar and the Winch installed thru TJM .....while drHello All...... I donno whether this is a coincidence or a human error. Only last week i got the Bull bar and the Winch installed thru TJM .....while driving yesterday just noticed the engine Temp close to hot ......stopped the Prado for some time but driving for a 2minutes or so still the same issue . checked the water reserve it was ok well above the Full mark .......but noticed only a thin layer of Coolant and rest all was water .......i donno should i first speak to TJM or should i straight take it to a mechanic . Also Did not notice any particular leaks on any kind of cracks on the radiator

Any suggestions or advise ?

To put a bull bar on, there is no need to touch the radiator, and the bars are flow tested to ensure the engine gets its same cooling flow, The winch will make no difference to the air flow either, sound more like the thermostat has started to pack it in, because it is restricting the waterflow, as you state there is only a thin layer of coolant and the rest is water, unless they did something else with the cooling system.

[rthy Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close rthy]

would the body lift and radiator relocation cause air flow issues?

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

but noticed only a thin layer of Coolant and rest all was water .......i donno should i first speak to TJM or should i straight take it to a mechanic .

The coolant should be thoroughly mixed with the water. If your seeing a layer of anything in the coolant, I fear it could be oil. Is it red? It may be automatic transmission fluid.