First post + First Cruiser(way too excited about it) + coolant issues

[RicksAdventures]

Hey guys! My name's Richard. I've read a good number of articles here, but I don't often post on forums. If I do, it's usually EXPO. From what I've noticed though(could easily be wrong here), there seems to be a larger collection of technical info on ih8mud.

Today I bought an '01 LX470 with 212,*** miles, and it's my first LC. I knew it had coolant problems when I got it but everything else appears to be in great shape, and it was less than $6k out the door. My '01 Tundra has the same engine and I love it to death. It's got plenty of torque for the things I do, but I need 4WD for my adventures.

It was missing a T fitting going from the rear of the engine to the heater. I found a couple articles here with the appropriate part information and hose sizes, so I put a temporary brass fitting on while I'm waiting on the parts(i'm replacing both T's) to arrive. The next thing I planned to do if the overheating was still an issue was a thermostat replacement. So I removed the thermostat cover and realized there was no thermostat. After a quick trip to the store, I had a new one installed and more coolant added. Still overheating (223°+/- based on my OBDii). My next plan of action is to flush the coolant system. I thought perhaps some of the old t fitting may have got "sucked" in and is clogging the flow. The bit of it that remained in the hoses was more like crumbling clay than plastic. Hopefully, flushing will be all it takes. I'll also try to pinch a hose and see if water is flowing to verify the function of the coolant pump. I've heard nothing that sounds like the screech of bearings, nor have I seen anywhere aside from the missing T fitting where coolant is leaking, but it could still be bad. I plan on doing a timing belt job on it soon anyways, but I didn't want to do it yet. The radiator was installed recently too, according to Lexus.

I'm not too stressed about this, as there is tons of info on the 2UZ-FE floating around. That said, I would love any thoughts, hints, pointers, or advice on a solution I may not have found yet.

Thanks!
-Rick

 

[Trunk Monkey]

If the t was open and there was no t-stat it sound like your cooling system is in bad shape. I'd start with burping the system for air, that can cause a high temp reading.

 

[SWUtah]

After the burn pressurecheck and get new hosea

 

[RicksAdventures]

Any tips on the best way to burp this engine?
The hoses are in pretty good shape, but I may replace them piecemeal.

 

[nissanh]

Did you clean the radiator core for any stuck debries? When I did mine, I found about a gallon of grass/hay and such stuck between the AC condenser and the radiator. Also clean the spacing between the transmission cooler and the AC condenser. I am sure this could be the issue.

Also, how is the fan clutch? When it fails it is designed to engage fully and is very loud. When the engine is off, try to spin the blades. If you cannot spin it, it is stuck. If it spins then it may be good. With the age, it is good to replace the fan clutch. Make sure to buy Toyota OEM or AISIN only.

Here is how I burp the system:

When the engine is COLD open the radiator cap. Make sure coolant is about 1 inch or so below the radiator cap opening. Start the truck and wait for it to do the burp by itself. I did this same exact procedure after cleaning the T-belt/water pump repair. The truck was on a level ground. You can hear the burping sound and the coolant level going down. Then add more coolant to maintain the level. Nothing will splash out, but for safety, wear Goggles (which I did). Keep the heater (front and rear) on while doing this.

Once you get a consistent level, you are done. But after a short trip, let it cool and check the level once again, refill as needed.

 

[RicksAdventures]

So I just logged on to Lexus, and found that the radiator has less than 40 miles on it, so it's definitely not dirty.

I will check that spacing though. What am I looking for there?

Fan clutch is good. Also, you can hear the fan engage upon starting. So loud haha

I'll try the burp in about an hour, when I'm off work.

Yeah I learned with my Tundra that Denso and Aisin are the way to go. Also, my best friend is a mechanic for Toyota, so he can sometimes get me good deals. He doesn't enjoy working on the 2uz-fe though. Maybe he doesn't get enough practice.

 

[RicksAdventures]

So I burped the system, but no air came out. I ran it until it got up to about 225° and I shut her down. I could hear the smallest amount of pressure leaking into the reservoir. I guess the next step is to flush it. After that, I'm doing a timing belt job. I've got the parts on order and they'll be here Saturday. I don't feel so bad about going ahead and doing the timing belt/water pump, because it's been about 120k miles since it's been done. Hopefully after that there'll be no problems, as the coolant system will be basically brand new.

 

[nissanh]

You'll be looking for dead flies, bugs, hay all pulled into the engine compartment by the fan. These gets stuck between the A/T cooler and Ac condenser and Ac condenser and the radiator. It is more like a birds nest inside. I got mine from W. TX and there are tons of hay stuck there.

The fan should not engage when you start it in the morning. After getting the AISIN clutch I can whisper inside the truck and others can hear me. But before the new clutch, I have to shout

I didn't do the cam or crank seals while at the T-belt job, both looks good with zero stains of oil around. I am a person don't fix it until it goes bad except the T-belt!.