Need help solving an overheating issue with my 89 Toyota Land Cruiser (3FE- fuel injected engine).
During hot weather, 80-90+ ambient temperature, my water temperature on my engine will creep up to about 220-225 in any slow moving situation- i.e. lots of stop lights, slow traffic, traffic jam, extended idling, offroading.
Once I'm start moving again at a constant speed, the water temperature will go back down to 187-194 degrees and remain there. NO overheating when cruising at highway speeds. Temp remains steady 187-194.
I've used three different gauges to verify I am actually overheating.
I've replaced the thermostat twice, fan clutch, radiator, waterpump and flushed out engine block (flush came out clean, no debris) and I still have the same overheating problem. All new toyota parts except radiator which is a Performance brand built to OEM Specs.
Engine has good power, does not burn much if any oil, not losing any coolant (as far as I know). Currently at 195k Miles. Have had this problem most likely since I bought the vehcile at 155k. Installed a mechanical water temp gauge 2 years ago and have been chasing the problem since.
Only issues to my knowledge- possible exhaust manifold leak. Engine makes soft,not very noticeable ticking sound until warm, no other symptoms. ( the sound is not the valves). And lastly, cold start injector wiring broken.
Do a cylinder leak down test. Hook up a airline to each spark plug hole. Bring each cyclinder to tdc and listen for air leak. Possibly in the radiator. You can also reverse the process by doing a radiator leak down test. If you hear bubbling in the radiator bad head gasket. Remove and replace head gasket.
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