6G Celicas Forums

Hi everyone my names Brittney, im brand new to the forum and I appreciate any help in advance!

Ive had a 99 convertible GT for almost a couple years now and from day one i have always wondered if it runs a little too hot. The temp gauge stays just at about mid level but what worries me is when i park i can see heat waves coming out of the engine compartment for hours. Even more concerning than that is after i drive for a while during the day i can barely check my oil level because the dip stick is scorching hot!

A couple weeks ago after driving i parked for a few minutes, but when i turned back on the engine i noticed the gauge was way up above mid-level (highest ive ever seen it), although it instantly dropped back to normal when the radiator fan came on.

Further, I live up a big mountain so im regularly turning the heater to full blast to prevent overheating (its a must when you live up here). But recently construction forced me to stop for 25minutes right after the steep mountain climb which caused my radiator to overheat and crack!
So, long story short i have a brand new radiator and fluid, but still my engine compartment seems to be just as hot as always.

Im not sure if my car just naturally runs hot and there is nothing to worry about, or if i should be concerned and checking other things.

I apologize for write a short novel but i wanted to get specific. If you have anything helpful to add or any tips PLEASE chime in!

Thank you! -B

This post has been edited by enived: Oct 30, 2011 - 12:02 PM

Hi Brittney, first off welcome and where in CA are you located? its possible that your radiator is clogged up so the cooling flow isnt efficient. if you are in the LA area id be happy to check it out for you. i doubt its the thermostat because you can keep it from overheating.

Check the fans on your radiator, it's possible that some are broken and therefore, the whole thing isn't cooling as efficiently.

well i doubt that its clogged as she said she has a brand new radiator and fluids. If the needle is above half on the temp thats not good. mine (even with a F**ked and clogged radiator) always sits just below half. Check thermostat?

If your engine overheated from staying still it definitely sounds like your thermostat is stuck closed. The thermostat should have been replaced with the radiator replacement. Also your rad fan might not be working, check all the electrical plugs to see if they are properly connected.

This post has been edited by vile_v: Oct 30, 2011 - 3:11 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys!
Well the radiator fans run just fine ive verified that, and like i said the radiator is brand new along with the fluids, so no worries there.

However, the thermostat definitely was not changed, (i know this because i changed the radiator at home myself with assistance), so im leaning towards that as a definite option. I see they cost like $10 and are pretty easy to install... Is there anyway i can check the current thermostats condition or would you guys just recommend replacing it?

Thanx again everybody! -B

theres a test where you remove the thermostat and boil it & watch it open.. but easier to just replace

Great thank you! I found a guide on checking the thermostat by boiling it. But i agree, probably easier to just go buy a new one from napa in the morning.
Well I will hope this fixes it. Ill give an update in a couple days to close this discussion. And once again thanx all. I look forward to enjoying your community from now on.
-B

remember to buy a new thermostat gasket as well!