Hello to all..recently purchased an 87 montero with a 2.6 in it. Purchased it for 250 dollars. The previous owner sold it since it would make a grinding noise when trying to start it. Turns out someone tried to replace the start and stripped out the bolts and left it loose....after taking it off 3 times myself with out realizing the issue it starts like a champ with no grinding. Now the issue is that after a test drive the temp gauge maxes...luckily only went around the block. I have a new thermostat I will be installing to see if that could be the issue. The oil pressure guage was reading in the middle which leads me to believe that it is functioning.Also seems like there is a few vacuum lines that may be loose......any guidance in towards the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Provided that the engine isn't actually overheating, you may have a bad temp sender, a bad wire or a faulty guage.

If it is overheating, check the fan clutch, water pump and radiator. The 2.6 does not take kindly to overheating (blows head gasket and/or damages the cylinder head). Your money is well spent on getting the radiator rodded out if there's ANY question as to what condition it's in.

Welcome to the Wire.

John B.

My money is on the head gasket already being blown. Check for bubble in the radiator when cranking from cold, disappearing coolant, white smoke from the exhaust.

A radiator pressure test and/or compression test should tell the tale.

quick question..i have a pontiac sunfire that is totaled but a good engine...would swapping that engine into the monty possible? has it been done? i know many go for the turbo and v6 swap but figured what the heck have a good engine and if possible why not. By the way replace the thermostat and filled the radiator up. change the temp sensor and radiator cap. ran the monty and didnt over heat. checked the oil and found no signs of water.

Good signs, Nando. Hopefully it was just a stuck-closed thermostat or bad sensor, but keep an eye on it and shut it down quickly at any sign of an overheat. Keep checking the coolant for bubbles as the engine is running with the cap off (let it warm up so the coolant is flowing, but DON'T take the cap off then...leave it off until the engine warms up...just in case you didn't know). Keep an eye on the oil for any foam.

And forget about the Sunfire engine. Not even worth considering.

John B.