1990 Toyota Camry SV21 Engine Overheating frustration

[Krish]

I have my 1990 Camry sv21 that recently overheated  due to crack in a radiator. I think, I drove the car around 5-6 kms after I found the temperature gauge is moving from centre to towards hot, but it automatically came at halt as I felt engine is becoming week when I accelerate  when I happen to go on an inclined road. I tow away to home and still lying as is. 

I had bought this car at 136k for $2800 Melbourne and have been enjoying driving it for many years now. (though mostly for family and for shopping and some times for work when public transport not possible). I used to regularly service, but there was crack on radiator, a known issue, which I fix by radiator repair kit temporarily. I had bought new denso radiator but got lazy in replacing the same. But today when the car halted, I saw steam (mild intense) coming out of radiator crack (some new crack) and I found oil leak. I again temporarily fill this crack by radiator repair kit again and started the engine just to test any other happening conditions. I saw there is no steam and no oil leak. but this time I saw coolant (I use water) is leaking near engine (near probably water pump). I am sentimental and emotions attached to this car. This is the only car I have and my only means of getting to and from any work. I want to keep the car, so looking for repair advise. I would like to hear from you all what your opinions are on other possible causes of overheating. What are some symptoms of this ? Is there head gasket issue or in cooling system other than engine like radiator or hose(s) or water pump etc ? Could it be the thermostat and distributor points issue ? I have not been to any mechanic yet, however I called two mechanics, they both said to bring the car to their garage and then they will advise (one advise on phone was to replace engine), so I am not sure. Do I have other options? I know that it will cost me anywhere between $300 to $1500 depends on the fix. However, I am wanting that  if I take the car to garage, it should come out in driving condition. I am praying that this type of issue is repairable . I am frustrated...Please help ! Thanks so much

[Tony Prodigy]

It's difficult to diagnose on the internet without seeing the vehicle and doing a few routine checks. What you should do is have a mechanic come to your house to "advise" what the issue is and if you are capable, replace the faulty items yourself to save some money. If you blown the head gasket, then that would be a job for the mechanic.

You should've replaced the radiator before it became a problem. It's your only car and this should have motivated you to get it sorted to make it as reliable as possible.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

[Krish]

Thanks and Appreciate for your valuable suggestions Tony

It gave me some sight of relief. I took your suggestions and managed a mechanic also has a repair shop by help of our new  neighbour reference to have a look on the car. He said Engine looks good, Issue is with Radiator. I was so happy to hear that engine is all good. However there is also coolant drip leakage near the water pump, so he said, will need to replace new water pump and timing belt genuine quality.  So  in total, he suggested radiator, water pump and timing belt replacement. Quoted with negotiation around $500-550. except radiator cost, as I have the same. 

Any suggestions !

[Tony Prodigy]

1 hour ago, Krish said:

Thanks and Appreciate for your valuable suggestions Tony

It gave me some sight of relief. I took your suggestions and managed a mechanic also has a repair shop by help of our new  neighbour reference to have a look on the car. He said Engine looks good, Issue is with Radiator. I was so happy to hear that engine is all good. However there is also coolant drip leakage near the water pump, so he said, will need to replace new water pump and timing belt genuine quality.  So  in total, he suggested radiator, water pump and timing belt replacement. Quoted with negotiation around $500-550. except radiator cost, as I have the same. 

Any suggestions !

Look like you dodged a bullet there my friend. I would definitely replace the timing belt if he's going to the trouble of doing everything else. It's like a package deal and these repairs will keep your car going for a very long time after this. Just need to keep doing your routine maintenance checks to make sure everything is good. Checking fluids etc periodically can save a bigger issue down the track.

Let us know if you need anything further. Only glad to help.

All the best 

[campbeam]

Following YouTube video will give you an understanding of what will be involved in replacing the water pump. It is not a simple task and explains why with the amount of time and effort involved that timing belts and water pumps are replaced at the same time.

 

 

[Krish]

Thanks Tony and Ashley

Yeah good to change timing belt when replacing water pump.

I got water pump timing belt and radiator. There was minor oil leak around oil pressure switch, however it is now fixed by replacing new one. Engine is all good. There was a little delay in pushing the car for a fix, but finally the car was back on the  road last week and since then all good.  I am so glad now. Thanks for your help when I first worried when the car stalled and didn't know how to move ahead..

cheers!

[Tony Prodigy]

2 hours ago, Krish said:

Thanks Tony and Ashley

Yeah good to change timing belt when replacing water pump.

I got water pump timing belt and radiator. There was minor oil leak around oil pressure switch, however it is now fixed by replacing new one. Engine is all good. There was a little delay in pushing the car for a fix, but finally the car was back on the  road last week and since then all good.  I am so glad now. Thanks for your help when I first worried when the car stalled and didn't know how to move ahead..

cheers!

Glad to hear everything went well. You can feel more confident in the car now not having to worry about those major items. Just continue to check and maintain it and it will serve you very well for a long time.

Cheers