Has it ever actually boiled?

The needle on your avg KE55 dash is not particularly accurate. Mine are over half b4 the thermostat is even open, operate at above 3/4.

Got curious about this once so I put a thermocouple into the top rad hose to check. Never saw anything over 90deg which IMO is fine operating temp.

 

Also, I once had the impeller disintegrate on my water pump, car had very similar symptoms to yours.

Might be worth taking the water pump off and checking its condition?

i'd be inclined to change the sender/ run an aftermarket electric temp gauge, its cheap insurance irrespective and it doesnt sound like it can be much else

I only fitted the new water pump about 2 months ago or so, perhaps i'll give it a look again as you suggested.

Where's the bleed valve [if there is one] on the 3k?

I'm an sr20 kid, these motors are very foreign to me haha.

 

cheers

checklist:

use water?

no air in system?

fan/airflow ok?

no gunk in system?

system holds 100 odd kpa?

cap holds 100 odd kpa?

thermostat opens?

waterpump pumps?

timing to around 15degrees?

hg does leak? system pressurises too fast? bubbles in coolant?

After a quick tinker earlier:

 

- not using water.

- was still some air in system

- fan and airflow is perfectly fine

- system was flushed thoroughly, no gunk

- yet to pressure test it

- thermostat opens

- waterpump is sweet

- yet o check timing

- headgasket not leaking

- no milky oil

- there was only some bubbles, very small.

 

I gave it yet another good long bleed, so tomorrow i shall see how she gets on.

Will also try and make a move on checking the timing.

so whats the typical water temp of these engines ? below 98degC ?

Mine in the ke25 3k was all over the place,

 

I fitted after market gauges and she not seems to be running and working normally, sits between quarter and half 90% of the time but does rise slightly in traffic

checklist:

use water?

no air in system?

fan/airflow ok?

no gunk in system?

system holds 100 odd kpa?

cap holds 100 odd kpa?

thermostat opens?

waterpump pumps?

timing to around 15degrees?

hg does leak? system pressurises too fast? bubbles in coolant?

 

15 degrees is probably a bit too far advanced! I'd go for around 8-10 degrees dailying, 12 max.

 

 

After a quick tinker earlier:

 

- not using water.

- was still some air in system

- fan and airflow is perfectly fine

- system was flushed thoroughly, no gunk

- yet to pressure test it

- thermostat opens

- waterpump is sweet

- yet o check timing

- headgasket not leaking

- no milky oil

- there was only some bubbles, very small.

 

I gave it yet another good long bleed, so tomorrow i shall see how she gets on.

Will also try and make a move on checking the timing.

 

Still some air in system? How do you know the head gasket is not leaking? It's pretty hard to have an air pocket in a k motor after changing the coolant, I'm not sure I could do it even if i tried. After everything you have described this is telling me that there are combustion gases getting into the cooling system from a dodgy head gasket.

Edited June 25, 201214 yr by BReNt

I think that's the only logical solution that remains Brent.

I recieved a new headgasket today, so i should get my arse into gear and replace that tonight.

 

I put some chemiweld in the system on Saturday to tie me over until then, though it's still quite noticeable and i really don't want to keep driving it in this manner.

 

Here's hoping tonights effort resolves all the drama.

Drove her home. Popped bonnet.

Damn.

Coolant had rushed back into the overflow bottle.

Not good.

 

Someone sell me a 4k asap!

Did you do the headgasket?

 

If you are doing the headgasket make sure you get the head checked for straightness/warpage.

Not yet, I've been too complacent and hostile.

Will try get onto it this weekend.

Recommend and particular places to take the head to? Or an approximate cost?

 

 

Not sure which part of town you are in.. I used Dandenong Rebores for my Celica - http://www.dandyrebores.com.au/