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Post by howard2287 on Dec 19, 2006 8:51:14 GMT -5
Last night while helping a friend, I managed to run part of a tree limb through my radiator (bottom drivers side corner, just missed the skid plate and bumper). Unfortunately, I didn't realize this until the truck overheated and died. I estimate I drove about another half mile after I punched the hole through it, over the course of about 10-15 minutes. Had no indication something was wrong until the engine started to rattle and promptly died. For some reason, the temp gage never read hot, but that doesn't matter now. I'm about to order a new radiator so I can enjoy my Christmas by working on my truck. What I need to know is, are there other cooling system components that must be replaced in this type of case? I have no reason to suspect there is a problem with the water pump or thermostat, I just drained the radiator while the engine was running. Could doing that damage the thermostat? Right now I'm just praying that the heads and gaskets survived. I'd appreciate any advice. The truck is a 2003 Tacoma, Double Cab, 4WD, 3.4L V-6, Auto tranny.
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Post by howard2287 on Dec 23, 2006 12:45:39 GMT -5
FOLLOW-UP: I got the new radiator installed this morning. Now it seems as if the thermostat may be sticking. The temp will get extremly high, then suddenly drop to normal, then gradually get high again, and then drop and repeat the cycle. No signs of any fluid leakage. I'm going to pull the thermostat and test it. Anybody have any suggestions about anything else? The autoparts stores will be closed the next 2 days, so I figure I need to get headed in the right direction so I can get what I need to get this fixed.
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Post by howard2287 on Dec 23, 2006 14:45:37 GMT -5
Okay. Disregard the "follow-up" I posted asking abotu the thermostat. Got that issue fixed and everything is running like new again. Now, any tips or hints to help determine if I have a blown head gasket or warped head? Anything to be on the look out for in the future as I drive it?
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jz
Junior Member
'91 truck, downey t-bars, 33" dunlop mud rovers
Posts: 94
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Post by jz on Dec 25, 2006 0:40:55 GMT -5
pay attention to your temp, and check your coolant regularly. even if you dont see any leaks on the outside of the engine a head gasket may have blown and it could be leaking internally and just burning it out. if you only overheated it the one time i would think youre probably safe just keep a close eye on it.
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