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user removed · 03-21-2014, 08:58 AM

Radiators are like arteries in humans, they clog up over time. An easy check is put your hand on the top and bottom radiator hoses. If the temp of both hoses is similar that indicates your radiator is not removing enough heat. The difference in temperature needs to be about 60 degrees. At the point where overheating occurs the grunge in your radiator has reached a critical point and the radiator should be replaced. You are there due to age, I'm surprized it is not leaking at almost 20 years age, and replacements are not that expensive.

The symptoms ususally occur in springtime when ambient temps are on the rise. The cooling fan issue needs to be resolved, or unplug the compressor and see if the fans come on with the compressor unplugged.

A decent low milegae car like yours can be destroyed by serious overheating and engine damage. I didn't think it was related to the change in oil viscosity alone. In fact I don't think the oil viscosity has anything to do with it , which is why I asked about the radiator. Radiator degradation is very common and the processis so gradual many people miss the symptoms and loose a good car to a $120 radiator.

I think your cooling fan temp sensor is bad as well if I understand your last post. Fix that and the radiator and SAVE that old Camry. Make sure the cooling system is properly bled to get rid of air pockets when you replace the radiator.

regards
Mech

03-21-2014, 08:58 AM	#18 (permalink)
user removed Master EcoModder Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,927 Thanks: 877 Thanked 2,024 Times in 1,304 Posts	Radiators are like arteries in humans, they clog up over time. An easy check is put your hand on the top and bottom radiator hoses. If the temp of both hoses is similar that indicates your radiator is not removing enough heat. The difference in temperature needs to be about 60 degrees. At the point where overheating occurs the grunge in your radiator has reached a critical point and the radiator should be replaced. You are there due to age, I'm surprized it is not leaking at almost 20 years age, and replacements are not that expensive. The symptoms ususally occur in springtime when ambient temps are on the rise. The cooling fan issue needs to be resolved, or unplug the compressor and see if the fans come on with the compressor unplugged. A decent low milegae car like yours can be destroyed by serious overheating and engine damage. I didn't think it was related to the change in oil viscosity alone. In fact I don't think the oil viscosity has anything to do with it , which is why I asked about the radiator. Radiator degradation is very common and the processis so gradual many people miss the symptoms and loose a good car to a $120 radiator. I think your cooling fan temp sensor is bad as well if I understand your last post. Fix that and the radiator and SAVE that old Camry. Make sure the cooling system is properly bled to get rid of air pockets when you replace the radiator. regards Mech Last edited by user removed; 03-21-2014 at 09:07 AM..