1996 Toyota Camry, No A/C and Engine Overheats

by Jeff
(AZ USA)

I have a 1996 Camry...

When I drive it, the engine temperature gauge starts rising into the red zone after about 40 miles of driving.

The A/C also blows hot air.

When I bought the car (used), the owner told me that the entire A/C system was replaced.

At that time (during the test drive and until 6 months after I bought it), the A/C was ICE COLD.

Then the radiator blew -- so I replaced it.

The A/C was still cold, but I noticed that the engine temperature would rise into the red after driving about 40 miles.

I parked the car.

Just recently, I started it up and noticed the A/C was coming out hot.

I took it to EVIT

Originally, they suspected a blown head gasket. At the time, they used this tool -- they did a test by putting a contraption over the radiator opening where a liquid that is normally blue would turn green or yellow if the head gasket was blown. It never turned green or yellow though. They even stuck the contraption on my tailpipe -- still no change in color -- it was still blue.

That said, EVIT took it to a Toyota dealer and they determined that I had a small leak in my head gasket (not sure how the dealer determined this though).

Now that EVIT knows what the problem is, they can repair it for me for about 200.00 (versus the 900.00 quote I got from Fletcher's Tire and Auto).

EVIT has done work on my cars before, and they always did good work.

The two questions I have:

1. Do you think it is the head gasket that causes my car to overheat after 40 miles of driving (even though the fluid in the radiator is topped off)?

2. If it is the head gasket, is it something that I might be able to do myself (I know how to do basic stuff like changing the oil, replacing the oil filter, air filter, flushing the radiator, etc)...or should I swallow the cost?

Or, should I just get rid of the car (I really do love this car though)?

Steve Says,

Hi, Jeff, thanks for asking me your question. This is a tough question. I have seen head gaskets that leak but do not make the fluid turn colors when it is tested so that is definitely a possibility. There are several other things that should be checked as well. The first is that you need to make sure your fans are coming on. When your AC system is on your fans should be on (at least one of them). If they do not then that could be the cause of your problem.

I'm not convinced that this is a head gasket problem because there is usually other problems that go along with it (low coolant, white exhaust etc.) however it could be a very small leak. I'm also not sure about this $200 estimate to repair your head gaskets. It should cost a lot more to do this job. If you have them do it I would ask them why they are so much cheaper. Also, you should ask to see the head gasket after they get it off and before they put the new one on. If you know and trust this repair shop then I would have them do the job BUT only if they can verify the head gasket diagnosis. If they don't think that is what is causing the problem, but do it anyway because you tell them too and it ends up not being the problem, then it would be your fault and not theirs.

One other test that they could do is a pressure test on the cooling system. This should show if the coolant is leaking into the combustion chambers.

I hope this has helped. Please post the fix when you know what it is.