Friend's 4Runner having a few issues

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Jun 9, 2008
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Boise, ID
Hey, so I'm quite familiar with the 22R, being in the process of rebuilding one, but I have a friend with a 4Runner SR5, so it has the 22RE, but his has been overheating lately.

I took a look at it today, water pump seems to be doing just fine, but there's a sensor on the pipe right before the thermostat that has nearly been ripped off - the wire to it has frayed quite a bit.

So what do you guys think, could the sensor be the issue, or perhaps a bum thermostat? He's had the engine rebuilt a while ago, so I doubt its a deeper issue.
 
Well, the thermostat is easy to check. Place is water, put on stove and heat. Should do its job.

I am trying to think what sensor you are talking about. Possibly the Water Temp Sensor or the one next to it-I cannot recall at this moment. But those sensors are for ignition purposes not anything that would cause overheating.

Was it a good builder? Could have used the same, old T stat?

Just some thoughts but in my experience, overheating has been an issue due to a t stat or radiator issue (clog, debris)
 
he is referring to the coolant temp sensor for the A/C circuit.

no faulty sensor anywhere on this engine will cause it to over heat.

start with replacing the thermostat. or do what Juke said. its up to you.

then do a search on this subject, it has been covered many times.
 
he is referring to the coolant temp sensor for the A/C circuit.

no faulty sensor anywhere on this engine will cause it to over heat.

start with replacing the thermostat. or do what Juke said. its up to you.

then do a search on this subject, it has been covered many times.

Okay, yeah, I figured no sensor would stop a 22R from running well :)

Will check out the T-stat, thanks guys
 
Okay, yeah, I figured no sensor would stop a 22R from running well :)

Well, I wouldn't go that far. There are two temperature sensors required for the EFI, both mounted at the front of the engine. One is the cold start time switch, the other the water temp sensor. If they fail they can cause problems, but not over heating. My wire to the AC sensor has been broken for years, and is sort of fixed. Truck seems to run right, though the AC sucks.
 
Something else to consider...

Are you sure it's overheating? Or is maybe the gauge just messed up due to a broken sensor? This is a good task for one of those nifty infrared remote thermometers, get the truck warmed up and start taking some readings.
 
Something else to consider...

Are you sure it's overheating? Or is maybe the gauge just messed up due to a broken sensor? This is a good task for one of those nifty infrared remote thermometers, get the truck warmed up and start taking some readings.
+1
those OE gauges dont last as long as the engines do.
I bought a mechanical one, and it is accurate with in 5 degrees. I checked it with my laser infrared pointer.

the OE one is always way off the reading of the mechanical one.
 
I have three gauge clusters in the garage and one in the truck. None of them have functional temperature gauges. As said the best solution is an aftermarket gauge. You have your choice of mechanical or electrical.
 
I bet it's got a 2core in it and needs a flush...a chem flush.

Then go buy a brand new $3 TStat. That should buy you some time to find a 3core and put in there. IIRC a 3.0 4R V6 rad will work(pull the cap and count they were not all 3 core), only it'll have an AT cooler, NBD just don't use it....


Then get an E-Fan IMO they are more simple and will last longer than a clutch type. And they will also free up alittle power b/c it's no longer taking power from the crank. You can get a install kit pretty cheap for one and wire it w/ a switch for water crossing.


Also, the Black Max is not cheap but look at how many AMPs it draws and how many CFMs it moves. IMO a VERY good fan to get.
 
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My 86 came stock with a 3 core so you should check before trying to find one. It is also super cheap to bring the radiator in and get it boiled and flushed. I know many many engines that have been rebuilt but nothing was done to the radiator. If it hasn't been done, do it.
 
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