Heater T’s broke, etc...

[mtlobo76]

Hey friends. Left my 2001 lx470 (97k miles) idling for a few minutes. Overheated and then the Heater t busted, or the heater t busted just because it’s old, not too sure. My neighbor turned the truck off, but he said there was smoke everywhere, etc. not sure what damage was done, but I replaced both T’s.

Now, just drove it and it’s over heating again and died on me. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[abuck99]

What was your coolant refill process?

I added these suggestions in another live thread on the same subject-

First thought most common is blown head gasket. 1.) Perform a leak down test of each cylinder, then 2.) coolant system pressure test, and pay attention to:

• Coolant leaking externally from below the exhaust manifolds
• White smoke from the exhaust pipe
• Overheating engine- use a scan gauge to monitor coolant temp-
• Bubbles in the radiator or coolant overflow tank- with cold engine, remove radiator cap then start engine watch for bubbles
• White milky oil- check dip stick frequently
• Significant loss of coolant with no visible leaks- inspect overflow bottle- note level watch cool min and hot max level

 

[flintknapper]

Hey friends. Left my 2001 lx470 (97k miles) idling for a few minutes. Overheated and then the Heater t busted, or the heater t busted just because it’s old, not too sure. My neighbor turned the truck off, but he said there was smoke everywhere, etc. not sure what damage was done, but I replaced both T’s.

Now, just drove it and it’s over heating again and died on me. Any help would be appreciated.

"SMOKE" define?

'Smoke' as in real live white or blueish smoke from the engine area and/or tailpipe.

Or 'Smoke' as in STEAM from the engine bay only?

Very important to know.

 

[mtlobo76]

I wasn’t there, but I think it was steam coming from the engine.

 

[flintknapper]

I wasn’t there, but I think it was steam coming from the engine.

I would expect a LOT of steam from the engine bay with a broken heater hose Tee. IF the engine was shut down quickly...then there is a chance no serious damage was done. However, the fact that it is still overheating is concerning and will require you find the source.

The engine dying may or may not be a serious matter.

I would pull the Thermostat out (for now), check it when you do. Fill system with water only, leave the radiator cap off and see if the engine will start and idle on its own. IF the engine will start and run and you observe no abnormal sounds, let us know. Don't run it for long (maybe 5 minutes).

There are other steps to take afterward.....but first things first.

 

[fooldall1]

Do a proper drain and fill of the radiator as well (cycle through Heater Core as well), you likely have a big bubble/Air space in there somewhere as well if you lost enough coolant while the motor was running.

Not to say that there's no heat related damage, but just something to check out if it's still driving.

 

[mtlobo76]

That's my fear, is the overheating that happened the other day has done further damage somewhere. I went and filled the radiator, with coolant, not water (sorry, didn't see your response until after). Turned on, and it idles. I ran it for a couple of minutes and nothing catistrophic. thanks so much for your help.

 

[mtlobo76]

Hey guys. Been on vacation and been slammed. But, I replaced the t’s, and now I feel like the bottom TC connection is a bit too small for the hoses. Because I can see a small leak.

Also, the heater kicks out cold air, and when the rig is sitting, there’s a leak somewhere of coolant. Any help on the first steps of trouble shooting would be great.

 

[outdoorsman]

Where is the small leak coming from?

Front or by the firewall?

Is the coolant reservoir level dropping?
(It is attached to the back of the radiator.)

 

[outdoorsman]

If you find where it leaking from snap some pictures and we can help you from there.

I would start where someone was last working on it.

 

[mtlobo76]

Where is the small leak coming from?

Front or by the firewall?

Is the coolant reservoir level dropping?
(It is attached to the back of the radiator.)

Coming from right under the driver side.
Reservoir doesn’t seem to be dropping.

 

[mtlobo76]

I had just replaced the heater t’s, so I think that’s the spot, but before I replaced those, they broke and caused a whole bunch of smoke/steam and I’m worried there was other damage done when the t’s originally broke.

 

[outdoorsman]

If they broke and it overheated did you pull over right away or did the engine stop running? I am just trying to determine the degree of possible damage. These 100s will go forever unless they overheat. It is the one thing that can kill them especially if it really got hot.

I would suggest changing the oil and check to see if it is milky (has water in it)

If the t’s broke apart a piece could be lodged in the cooling system which could be causing your heater problem. If it low on coolant and cause the same problem.
I would suggest on replacing the six hoses at the T’s.

You might want to have the coolant system pressure checked to make sure you don’t have issues in other places like head gaskets.