Hi Nairakander,

I just got a toyota Sienna 2008 but it overheats when A/C is turned in when the weather is hot.
A mechanic and few others insisted that I get a double cell radiator that d single cell will not work in Nigeria.

Kindly help. Is it true that single cell radiator is too small for the vehicle?

Dear OP,
The cooling system had been compromised. Did you buy it as a Nigerian used or foreign?

Foreign used sir.

Davidlanny:
Foreign used sir.

Hope you noticed the overheating on time?
Or did the overheating shut down the car?

I did when the temperature gets a bit abovw half mark but no boiking in the engine. I washed d condenser and radiator whn I took the car to cash wash. There was a little improvement but the temoerature guage moves a bit above half mark after a ling time. It normalises when I turn off the A/C

Try dis,saw it here on narialand, hope it helps:
Hello OP the following is the cause of your car overheating each time you on your AC. It requires sequential troubleshooting:

1. The direction of fan flow - check if the fan is still force draft i.e blowing air across the radiation. It should be clockwise direction - the same principle with standing fans. Also, check the blade angle if it is still okay.

2. Check your water pump if it is still functional or worn.

3. Check your thermostat if is stuck. I once had the same issue which thermostat was part of the root cause. You can check yourself by removing the thermostat and put it in boiled water. If it opens then is still okay, if it doesn't then the spring is damaged; change it.

4. Check the radiator for leakage and blockage.

5. Check for possible leakage from the connecting hoses.

6. Check also possible leakage from the condenser

7. Check if your car is using the right compressor. It might be of higher capacity which definitely will overheat the car.

8. Function test the top gasket if is still okay. You can check by feeling the radiator with water while the engine is running (Not when the engine is hot oh!). If it bubbles like continuously then definitely, the top gasket is gone; change it.

Dozieson:


Hope you noticed the overheating on time?
Or did the overheating shut down the car?

please what is the implications of overheating shutting down a car

It is a little above middle with ac running and hot weather is normal.
The only thing that should be recommended is replacing your coolant with new recommended type.

Anything apart from a fresh coolant will cause other problems. You have done the right thing by washing the cooling fins, both of this is part of regular maintenance.
Keep things simple, don't go down that expensive road, it is good you are watching your thermostat but it is only bad when you approach the red marks

melviniyke2002:
Try dis,saw it here on narialand, hope it helps:
Hello OP the following is the cause of your car overheating each time you on your AC. It requires sequential troubleshooting:

1. The direction of fan flow - check if the fan is still force draft i.e blowing air across the radiation. It should be clockwise direction - the same principle with standing fans. Also, check the blade angle if it is still okay.

2. Check your water pump if it is still functional or worn.

3. Check your thermostat if is stuck. I once had the same issue which thermostat was part of the root cause. You can check yourself by removing the thermostat and put it in boiled water. If it opens then is still okay, if it doesn't then the spring is damaged; change it.

4. Check the radiator for leakage and blockage.

5. Check for possible leakage from the connecting hoses.

6. Check also possible leakage from the condenser

7. Check if your car is using the right compressor. It might be of higher capacity which definitely will overheat the car.

8. Function test the top gasket if is still okay. You can check by feeling the radiator with water while the engine is running (Not when the engine is hot oh!). If it bubbles like continuously then definitely, the top gasket is gone; change it.

1,2,4,5,6,7,8 confirmed. I need to check 3

sultaan:
It is a little above middle with ac running and hot weather is normal.
The only thing that should be recommended is replacing your coolant with new recommended type.

Anything apart from a fresh coolant will cause other problems. You have done the right thing by washing the cooling fins, both of this is part of regular maintenance.
Keep things simple, don't go down that expensive road, it is good you are watching your thermostat but it is only bad when you approach the red marks

Hi Sultaan, if the temperature runs a little bit above the middle mark, the ac begins to blow hot starting from the rear vents.

chidooh1:
please what is the implications of overheating shutting down a car

Warped engine block and top

This may lead to leaks in coolant/oil and cause further overheating

Dozieson:


Warped engine block and top

This may lead to leaks in coolant/oil and cause further overheating

I actually went through this due to a licking water pump, after the repairs the car became OK but with a massive oil shortage. Please, how do i rectify this oil disappearance. Car drives well but oil shortage is huge.

chidooh1:
I actually went through this due to a licking water pump, after the repairs the car became OK but with a massive oil shortage. Please, how do i rectify this oil disappearance. Car drives well but oil shortage is huge.

Is the car smoking?

The engine top should be check for warp. It not the problem will continue.

Dozieson:


Is the car smoking?

The engine top should be check for warp. It not the problem will continue.

not really a noticeable smoking, if parked for days without usage smoking will occur for few seconds or there-about and stop, then you have the whole day smoke free. When you raise it hard too smoke will come.

chidooh1:
not really a noticeable smoking, if parked for days without usage smoking will occur for few seconds or there-about and stop, then you have the whole day smoke free. When you raise it hard too smoke will come.

You need a good mechanic to check the engine top/block for any warp

Dozieson:


You need a good mechanic to check the engine top/block for any warp

ok and thanks, all what my mechanic knows is ringing ringing ringing, he never suggested any other form of solution i don't know if he is right or just interested in the money.

chidooh1:
ok and thanks, all what my mechanic knows is ringing ringing ringing, he never suggested any other form of solution i don't know if he is right or just interested in the money.

If you are in Lagos, contact gazzuzz or autologic.

Contact kingreign if you are in Abuja

Thank you all. Over heating when the A/C is turned on is resolved!

Solution: Took out the radiator from the Car with the help of a mechanic to a car wash. After the thorough washing, the radiator was fixed and issue resolved!!

Thanks once again for your suggestions.