[nicacruiser]

Currently on route to Nicaragua in our fj80. She's performing great except for two things... She overheats when charging steep uphill climbs. I've tried putting her in 2nd gear and even low gear to no avail. But as soon as the terrain levels off or if I pull her over and set it in park she cools off immediately. Could this be a fan clutch problem? I've read threads on the subject and right now that's my best guess. I also noticed that when the engine is off, the fan spins freely by hand. Should there be some resistance? If so, I'm wondering if I can make it to Nica without having to do the job.

The A/C is cutting out intermitantly which sucks as it is super hot down here. It works good in the am and late in the evening, but in the middle of the day it seems to cut out more. I checked for bubbles in the steel tube right of the batter, but it seems to be reading properly. It does not display bubbles at 1500 rpm and when the ac is shut off it foams and then goes clear. Could the ac problem and the overheating be related? Any help would be great. Thanks.

I've learned that in spanish cerveza means beer.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by nicacruiser

Could the ac problem and the overheating be related?

Yes. Your AC has an automatic cut-off when the coolant temp reaches 226* (IIRC)

You did not tell us which engine you have or your model year. In any case, it sounds like you could have a problem with the fan clutch. I believe you can "lock-up" the fan clutch by wedging string behind the hub. I have not seen this done but I have heard that Robbie has done this for a trail-fix. (Robbie=powderpig) PM him if he doesn't jump in on this thread.

How are your belts?

-B-

[nicacruiser]

Thanks for the help Beowulf. I'm in a '97 with an international straight six. The trail-fix anecdote sounds terrific. I'll try to contact the powderpig for more info. My belts are all new and tension seems to be fine. Muchos gracias.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by nicacruiser

I'm in a '97 with an international straight six.

All the engines that Toyota put in the 80-Series (US and international) were I6. Is yours petrol or diseasel?

-B-

[prossett]

Sounds like an awesome trip, buddy!

I live in a very very hot country, and it is not normal for the A/C to shut off in the middle of the day, in other words, it should not be reaching the cut-off.

We do A/C off and windows down if the going gets tough, and it's not really that bad - it'll sure run your engine cooler. At least you've got cerveza to keep you hydrated, man!!!

[IdahoDoug]

Next time you're in a location with a water hose I'd buy some spray heavy duty degreaser and soak the radiator (back side) and the A/C condensor (front side) in your truck, then spray it out. Repeat until you're out of degreaser. This will at least improve the radiator's function significantly by having clean fins that can shed heat faster.

As for your problem, no way to diagnose except that you have a cooling system problem. Could be fan clutch, could be old coolant, or sludge blocking the radiator internally.

DougM

[panamalexus]

You passing trough to costa rica and panama or just staying in guat