Just got my first one

[bootlegger213]

So i found one finally! !!!. Been wanting one for a long time. Bought this 83 218k beauty from the 2nd owner a couple weeks ago and I'm in love. Runs great just keeps telling me it's over heating when it isn't and the fan won't turn on its own but that's OK. Other then the bad fuel cutoff solenoid it puts like a kitten. And I stole this thing at 700 bucks. Just got some body rust to deal with. Cheers fellas. Great forum

[Petros]

welcome to the forum!

the temp gauge is usually pretty reliable, best make sure the cooling system is operating properly. Put in an aux temp guage, or swap out the sender, etc. if it gets too hot it will almost certainly need a head gasket.

I recommend check or change all of the fluids, new thermostat, check and change the belts.

Where do you live?

[bootlegger213]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm up in Massachusetts. I went through the whole system coolant is new new fan new thermostat the coolant flows nicely and I burped it real good. Bottom of the radiator gets nice and cold when the fans on and gget nice and hot when the fans off. The temp sensor has some coolant seeping through the middle of it so I'm assuming it's no good

[Petros]

that is a pretty good indicator the sender is bad. even if it still appears to work, if it is leaking is reason enough to replace it. most autoparts stores can order them, I think all the Toyota models use the same sender so they should be easy to get.

[terceldude]

+bootlegger213: where in MA? I'm in Wellesley, hehehehe! As for the issues with yours, I recommend Natick Gas & Service! The new owner did an excellent job on mine!