2001 Toyota tundra sr5 V8 4x4 overheating

Hi all! My truck has almost 275k miles and we have had no problems until now. For the past few weeks we noticed the heat wouldn't get hot at all or it took a very long time. Then last week on the way home from a show the truck overheated and water or antifreeze was everywhere. We let it cool off filled the reservoir with water and came home having to stop 2 more times to let it cool off. We were 5 miles from home. Now yesterday we discovered there was a small bird nest in front of the condenser. We removed that, sprayed the condensor off and put antifreeze in it. Today we raised the hood and turned it on. We can see antifreeze dripping on the passenger side. It look like it's dripping from the condensor but I'm not sure. Could it be coolant from the condensor? It doesn't seem to me that would make the truck run hot. Other than the heat not getting hot there was no warning. Now we are not car savvy but have managed to fix most everything by watching a tutorial on you tube. We've changed cylinders in our other car a honda odyssey so we aren't totally helpless. But I need help on this one. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Shannon

 

Sounds like your thermostat is sticking. When was the last time you changed the water pump?

 

Thermostat is sticking. First it’s stuck open and then stuck closed. Replace and bleed the system. Make sure thermostat is clocked correctly following install.

 

Like a/c condenser? I'd bet on a crack in the plactic rad tank. Moms cracked on the top tank, but the bottom tank is just as likely.

 

When you say "condenser", do you mean "radiator"? You need to see where it's leaking, you may need to replace the radiator for one. If you do ONLY get DENSO brand radiators. We can get you the part number to order one. Just don't buy on scAmazon or fleaBay, you'll get counterfeit parts.

For the other symptom with no heat, and overheat, I agree with @Jack McCarthy that this sounds like the thermostat is going out also. I'd recommend replacing with the radiator. Make sure the jiggle valve on the thermostat is clocked correctly between 11 0'clock to 1 o'clock.

 

Hey everyone! I will check the thermostat! The condensor is the thing in front of the radiator correct? I will roll under it tomorrow and try to pinpoint where it is leaking. It begins leaking just sitting at idle. We have never replaced the water pump. We have had zero problems with this truck until now. When I get all this checked I'll report back for more help! You guys rock! Thank you!!

 

It's probably a good idea to pop a timing belt cover off as well. Has that ever been changed?

If not, you're driving your truck on borrowed time. Toyota reccomends replacing the belt at 9 years or 90K miles.

Your engine is an INTERFERENCE engine which means that if the timing belt snaps, you're looking at replacing the entire engine.

 

Sounds like there’s a need to change out the water pump at 275k. Consider it if you need to change the timing belt.

 

Thank you!

 

In order of probability, I would say:

Leaking radiator.

And actually thats where it ends....because that we know for sure. Other things could have happened and maybe made the radiator fail....but we know its leaking so thats where I would start. A 20 year old radiator leaking is fairly common for us, usually you get cracks in the plastic top or bottom pieces.

Overheating and heater not working mean air in the cooling system. This can happen from running very low on coolant from a leak...or a blown headgasket, which is unlikely on this vehicle.

 

Definitely check the timing belt. The OEM kit for timing belt comes with a water pump and most people change at the same time.

If you've never changed your timing belt, you've been driving around on borrowed time for that engine for ... about 10 years now. Many a person with more than 150k miles and a never-changed timing belt have replaced their engine when the belt snapped...