1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

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puttputtinpup
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1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by puttputtinpup »

91pupfrom808 wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2025 7:32 pm Right now i have a little overheating problem, im not really sure what it is because i think my temp gauge doesnt work as it should. (some lights in dash do not turn on) Just asking for some help lol. Anything is appreciated Mahalo!
I'll open your topic for you here. 1st off, welcome to the forum.
One assumption some make when encountering an overheating engine is the sender is operating accurately. I'd change it out 1st. There's a chance it has 2 sensors. One for a gauge, the other for a dash light. I'm not 100% sure. Regardless, they may not be registering correctly. Be sure also you don't have an air pocket around the sensor.
The presence of bubbles (combustion gasses) in the radiator while running may indicate a cracked head or bad head gasket. Milky oil, Compression test, etc may show something.
Others may chime in with some simple troubleshooting suggestions.

And again welcome to the forum
gruff54
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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by gruff54 »

Welcome.
Not sure if this would apply to the carbed 2.3, but I elevate the front of my 2.6 fi Trooper on ramps in order to burp air bubbles from the coolant system.
'89 Trooper 2.6L-5 spd
'87 Trooper 2.6gas to 4jb1-t swap(in progress)
91pupfrom808
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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by 91pupfrom808 »

i appreciate it still gotta look more into my truck im currently looking at manuals online lol i appreciate the input.
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Red Truck
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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by Red Truck »

Something to consider: If the temp gauge/sender checks OK, how does the coolant look? While I was there (and Guam) I recall some people choosing to not run anti-freeze, but straight water as coolant...hey, it doesn't freeze here!! If in doubt, there's a wing-nut spigot at the bottom of the radiator. Open it up a little and see if brown water/sludge comes out. If so, a coolant flush might solve the issue. A new thermostat is cheap; I'd stick with the 180*F type. Caveat: Don't install the thermostat upside-down (maybe your problem?) The copper pellet/spring side goes toward the engine (faces down). There's also a jiggle valve on it; the larger portion of that valve faces down as well. And use anti-freeze! /R
'87 Isuzu p'up 4ZD1/2.3 gas, carb'd, 5spd, 4WD, base model, Fed spec
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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by Rodzbuck »

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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

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20200515_182841~2.jpg
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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by Rodzbuck »

Also check the hoses. The inside will split from the outside and fill up with coolant causing a bubble and blocking the flow.
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JoeIsuzu
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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by JoeIsuzu »

91pupfrom808 has not been back on the site since January 16. So, thanks for trying.

Jack
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Re: 1991 2.3 overheating (not mine)

Post by Rodzbuck »

I do the same thing, I'll disappear for a week or two but I come back to catch up on recent post or to seek information on new problems that arise. I enjoy this site very much. Thank you for creating it jack and thank you to all the other members for your valuable insight and experience.
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