View Full Version : 98 Camry overheating need help
Whitekoolaid
Oct 27, 2014, 08:34 PM
Hey there, I need help asap my girlfriends 98 Camry just started overhearing last night today I changed the thermostat by the radiator and that seemed to work for 15 min. The temp gauge on the dash goes all the way to the top and the resavoir goes to a rolling bowl and starts to smoke. I dot really know where to go from here oh ad I think both fans aren't working either any help will be appreciated and if I didn't give enough of what's going on let me know. Thanks!
paraclete
Oct 28, 2014, 12:52 AM
Well if you didn't have a blown head gasket before this began you may have one now, one way to tell is to run the engine with the radiator cap off and observe whether there are bubbles or whether the rocker cover has a grey deposit in it. Take the vehicle to a radiator specialist as a start, the radiator may be blocked. Drive the vehicle only to take it to a repairer. This is not something an inexperienced amateur can fix. You say the fans aren't working so a trip to the auto electrician also seems called for. Until this is fixed drive with the radiator cap off and keep the coolant topped up. Given the age of the vehicle you could expect problems if maintenance hasn't been according to the manual. Turn off the air conditioning and make sure oil levels are adequate as you have to make sure you don't cause further damage
CaptainRich
Oct 28, 2014, 10:51 AM
If the cylinder head gasket has failed, you can often check the engine oil for a milky consistency: if it looks like a brown or grey milkshake, you probably have a failed gasket.
There are two types of fans on your car: one for the A/C and the other is for cooling.
The A/C and engine cooling fans should come on when the engine is running and A/C is selected. If the engine cooling fan doesn't operate during A/C operation, you will need to check fuses and then test the various relays that control low and high speed fan operations. If you're not familiar with Toyota fan controls, it is best to have a shop check the car.
TxGreaseMonkey
Oct 28, 2014, 11:37 AM
Sounds like a blown head gasket. It will likely require the aluminum head to be machined and the valves examined for damage. Repairs will likely run around $3,000.