1993 Toyota Celica GT, overheating

by Ian
(Wales)

My 1998 cc Toyota Celica keeps overheating.
I replaced the Radiator and water pump 2 years ago. When it was returned from the garage the fan automatically would come on as soon as the key was put in the ignition. I returned it to the garage but they were unable to fix it.

Recently I've had a major overheating problem. It drives for around 30 minutes but then the gauge goes to the red, and i have too put water in to keep it cool. There is no water in the oil and no sign of a leak? No smoke from the exhaust either.

Any ideas?
Many Thanks

Steve Says,

There are a lot of things that can cause this type of problem. The first thing is that is sounds like your cooling system is low on coolant. You need to fill the radiator and reservoir with coolant, then start the car and let it warm up (but not overheat) then let it cool down again and refill the cooling system. Do this until it does not take any more.

Check to be sure that the radiator shroud is still there and in good condition. Make sure that the cooling fans are running when it gets warm (I'm assuming they are since you said they come on when the key is on).

If it still overheats, then you are probably looking at a more serious problem. Just because there is not coolant in the oil or white smoke from the exhaust does not mean that you don't have a head gasket leak. It is not as likely without these symptoms, but you should still have that checked if nothing else will fix it.

I hope this has helped you with your overheating problem.