overheating to 3/4 on Camry/Vienta 1999 1MZFE 3.0V6

[camry_1999_3.0v6]

1999 Toyota Camry 3.0V6, 1MZ-FE. Because of recent hot weather 43C yesterday.

Temperature went over 3/4 of temperature gauge approaching red line. Usually is slightly below 1/2 on gauge. This happened when drive and stop on 60Km/h roads with multiple traffic lights, with A/C on. The temperature will drop when A/C is off. It is fine when on highway even with A/C on.

Found boiling + bubbling in the reservoir (fluid level is 10mm above the FULL line) when parked + idled by roadside. When A/C is turning, temperature was creeping up. Both fans are running full speed when the overheating occurred.

Cap? hose (no leak)? radiator clogging?water pump? big air pocket (the red coolant was not flowing into the engine looking at the translucent coolant hose when bubbling)? air pressure in the radiator too high to take in coolant?

Recently did a service and check, no leak on anything. Toyota service...since only they have empty slot to fill in before the holiday season.

any suggestion will be greatly appreciated!

[69.NIX]

I would try the following if you can handle a bit of DIY

1) Full coolant flush / replace

2) Degrease Engine and Radiator

3) Check radiator for cracks (top of the radiator)

If there are still problems, go to a mechanic.

[trentmeyer23]

Easy things first,

Coolant flush/reverse flush.

Check hoses, if you squeeze them and they are crunchy, replace them.

Replace thermostat.

Have the radiator cap tested for holding pressure.

From that point you would start looking at more expensive things like water pump, radiator etc.Go to a radiator specialist if you are unable to do the work yourself.

[camry_1999_3.0v6]

I would try the following if you can handle a bit of DIY

1) Full coolant flush / replace

2) Degrease Engine and Radiator

3) Check radiator for cracks (top of the radiator)

If there are still problems, go to a mechanic.

thanks!

1) will do it later,

2) already did that.

3) not sure yet, some many real crack.

[camry_1999_3.0v6]

Easy things first,

Coolant flush/reverse flush.

Check hoses, if you squeeze them and they are crunchy, replace them.

Replace thermostat.

Have the radiator cap tested for holding pressure.

From that point you would start looking at more expensive things like water pump, radiator etc.Go to a radiator specialist if you are unable to do the work yourself.

thanks for tips.

hoses checked, seems ok.

did check out the local auto part stores. would it make a difference to use Toyota part vs. a third party?

thinking about just replace the cap.

also, did find the bottle crack at one corner - will replace this as well.