My automatic 1998 toyota camry, with 98,000 miles that I bought used is overheating about 3/4 up on the temperature gauge. I also am only receiving Luke warm heat thru the air vents. Should I flush the cooling system? Flush the heating core? Replace the thermostat? The car doesn’t look to be losing any coolant. I also just replaced the oil pump, water pump, and timing belt. Thank you!!
I’d also like to add that this only happens at 65mph+
With a new water pump, you may have hot spots from not properly bleeding the air out of the cooling system. When I do a water pump, I always replace the thermostat and temperature sending unit and radiator cap to make sure everything is new and to spec.
I appreciate it!! So do you think the heat not coming into the cabin and engine temperature are separate issues?
No, they are symptomatic of air in the system. When you bleed the system, make sure your temperature setting is on high to remove air that might be in the heater core and if you can, use the designated burp funnel. Available at most all auto parts stores.
https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-87009-No-Spill-Coolant-Filling/dp/B01A2CQSU6
The heat not coming thru the air vents all the way was a prexisting issue. The overheating is new to me, but I still try to bleed the air out
See the FAQ.
i would flush the whole system. If it's pretty dirty coolant I'd run a cleaning detergent and distilled water for about a day before dumping it out, if not than give it about a 30 min drive with the cleaner. Make sure that the temperature isn't gonna freeze the water if you let it sit. Make sure to turn the heater on while your running the cleaner through it so it can clean the core as well.
https://youtu.be/RY_aLD3QYj4 here's a detailed video on how to do it if you need it.
