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Radiator/thermostat repair 1993 Corolla
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nevarDeath
New User
May 18, 2009, 2:13 PM
Post #1 of 2
(2928 views)
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Radiator/thermostat repair 1993 Corolla
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I have a 1993 Toyota Corolla with approx 249,500 miles on it (can't remember exactly, at the repair shop right now) it has a 4-Cylinder 1.6 liter engine. Please keep in mind, I'm a computer person, not a car person, so if I seem a little dumb, that's why :)
The other day I did about an hour of highway driving and when I pulled in the driveway, I noticed some 'smoke' coming out of the engine on the driver's side. I opened the hood and the engine coolant in the resevoir was boiling, its little cap popped off and appeared to have sprayed coolant inside the engine around it. The 'smoke I saw was steam from the boiling engine coolant.
There was another hose running off the cap that I think is like for overfilling, but at the time I thought it connected to something and had popped off. (The mechanic said something about it, which is why I currently believe that hose doesn't connect to anything.)
So I freaked out and took it to the mechanic. (I don't fully trust him due to a previous incident with another car, but it seems like our whole town trusts this guy.) He called me and asked about the problem, asked about whether it overheats the longer I drive it (it has never overheated in the last 2.5 years I've had it) and I can't remember what else. He said he would take it for a spin and see what's up. I get a call an hour later from his secretary and she says it needs a new radiator and thermostat and it'll be $500.
I can't afford $500, so i'm considering lots at this point. I found a radiator online http://www.autopartsworld.com/toyota_parts/corolla/radiator/1993.html and a thermostat: http://www.autopartsworld.com/toyota_parts/corolla/thermostat/1993.html I figure I should be able to get a haynes guide and buy these parts and put them in.
So here's my questions:
1) Is $500 a reasonable charge considering I can find these parts for less than half the cost of the repair
2) Are these parts good or priced right?
3) Should I try to replace just the thermostat first?
4) Is replacing both of these parts something anyone can do with the right instructions, or should it be left to professionals? (I'm mainly worried because I assume the thing needs to be some kind of pressurized)
Sorry if this was a little long winded, I'm just not sure what to do and have such little knowledge of cars.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 18, 2009, 4:41 PM
Post #2 of 2
(2922 views)
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Re: Radiator/thermostat repair 1993 Corolla
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nevarDeath;
>>Please keep in mind, I'm a computer person, not a car person, so if I seem a little dumb, that's why :) <<
Well, don't feel like the Lone Ranger. I know virtually nothing about computers!
It does sound that you need the thermostat replaced. If you decide to do this yourself, pay close attention to the orientation of the old thermostat. Some are able to be installed backwards. Once installed, it is critical that the cooling system is bled of air. Buy a good, quality, thermostat. NAPA or CarQuest sell premium stats. You'll pay a few dollars more, but don't skimp on quality. One gallon of fresh coolant should be enough for your rig. Once you are done, make sure that the cooling fan(s) come on once the engine reaches temperature. Sometimes, this doesn't happen until 230F.
The radiator; If the vehicle still overheats while driving above 30mph, the radiator could be plugged. (the cooling fans aren't needed while moving above 30mph). The radiator can be 'flow tested' at any radiator shop. At 250K, it wouldn't surprise me if it did need the radiator replaced, but we're unsure at this point. Also, if the engine got hot enough when it did overheat, there is always a concern regarding possible blown head gasket. Ask the shop to check for that before they go any further.
Loren
SW Washington
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