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Recently did an engine job on lucida estima 2007 model 3c engine because of overheating issues.it costs more than we catered for.now the water needs topping up every so often(temperature gauge not going up)and water is spewing out form 1 of the hose.mechanic suspects water pump is leaking and a water pump is approximately 4000$.
We are not rich people and its really frustrating now...the vehicle was sold to us only about a year ago not to long after we had over heating problem.we were contemplating on selling but after spending so much money on engine job we thought it would be worthwhile to keep now this problem has arise.please any advise or suggestions will be appreciated.very frustrating situation

you mean 1997 model? 3c diesel?

Yes sorry 1997

Yes 3c diesel

can't get a head and block foreign used? Failing that I hope the mech speculating about the water pump isn't the one who did the job because he should have changed timing belt and pump one time with head gasket if overheating was the issue. Usually if your water pump has failed the water would flow out of the side of the pump not the hose, if the pump is all that needs replacing try taking it out and checking a few places like Chag Auto Supplies, PT Auto supplies etc. Or you can source it online should land for around $1500

Also check your temp sensors if the gauge isn't rising the sensors may be disconnected or bad and one of the sensors triggers the radiator fans so that may be contributing to the overheating

It is the mech who did the job...and yes they changed the water pump but it was a second hand 1 but it was good at the time according to him.head was shaved recently because after we got back the van after egine was rebuilt it was still overheating and then they suspected a bad head took it out and sent to machine shop where it was confirmed that there was a slight wap.

If the radiator is old, check on condition of cores.
Actually, a old clogged radiator which doesn't allow free flow of coolant medium could cause a lot of the problems you noted (and temp may not launch until too late).

Radiator was checked anf flushed recently

Mechanic sound like he not too sure. What caused the damage in the first place? Is the water pump leaking through the hole on the side of the pump? If the head has a crack, you could get the symptoms you are describing.
I hope that he did a proper head check, and also checked the block for cracks. When an engine overheats you have to be real careful about using it back unless its properly checked, maybe it was better if he changed it the first time. If the head is warped, then it wouldn't sit properly on the block and can cause the new gasket to blow again. My advice is to scrap it back down and send it to D Rampersad, Chaguanas or Baldwin in Arima let them check the parts properly.

Mechanic sound like he not too sure. What caused the damage in the first place? Is the water pump leaking through the hole on the side of the pump? If the head has a crack, you could get the symptoms you are describing. You say the water is spewing, this sounds like it's under pressure and not just leaking.
I hope that he did a proper head check, and also checked the block for cracks. When an engine overheats you have to be real careful about using it back unless its properly checked, maybe it was better if he changed it the first time. If the head is warped, then it wouldn't sit properly on the block and can cause the new gasket to blow again. My advice is to scrap it back down and send it to D Rampersad, Chaguanas or Baldwin in Arima let them check the parts properly.

Will keep info posted as sson as we start working on it

if it is this much trouble to repair you may want to consider changing the engine and avoiding this headache. if not a head and block change would be more viable

Thinking about changing the entire engine now.where can i locate 1 and for a good price.??

Located an engine at prabhus in d bamboo.$7000 engine and transmission...
Now we just cant seem to decide whether to sell the lucida or to change the engine.feeling a bit scared that if we spend that kinda of money again and if it will still have same overheating problem.since that was the apparent problem with the previous owner.advise will be appreciated.

Riabridge wrote:Located an engine at prabhus in d bamboo.$7000 engine and transmission...
Now we just cant seem to decide whether to sell the lucida or to change the engine.feeling a bit scared that if we spend that kinda of money again and if it will still have same overheating problem.since that was the apparent problem with the previous owner.advise will be appreciated.

did the previous owner change the engine as well? oh you might consider checking the The coolant temperature sensor/switch as it can cause overheating if it is defective. i still think you should check that radiator again tho!

Yes the prev owner did..
Concerning the sensors..its manual so apparently sensor problem is out

Boy sell that yes.

The only thing i can think of that may cause this reoccurring issue is either it is a manufacturer defect or maybe you need a bigger radiator

Ok its the head thats faulty....anyone know where i can get a used 1 going cheap or even free...2c or 3c engine head.dont wanna buy 1 cause its like 3000 to 4000 and a complete engine and transmission is 7000.so if i can locate 1 thats reasonble its really gonna save me

Checked anotherr mechanic yesterday and the guy said the fan was put on wrong side.so we changed it around and its not throwing water as much as b4 but its still overheating.but i guess it will overheat since the head is already damaged.my real reason for fighting up with this lucida is because i have two kids under the age of five and need to have two carseats for them with the two cars seats space is really thight in a normal car etc...and they will nver sit at the back alone if thier mom has to sit in front kids i guess

Changed engine today.and samething same problem.letting it cool to check the termostat.frustrated
Thinking now if its the radiator which was recently flushed but wondering if they did a good job at it

May be better if you change or recore the radiator

We took of the thermastat an so far its working good.thanks all for your advice and concern.