Toyota Repair: cooling system, toyota vans, temp guage

Question
QUESTION: i have an 88 toyota van 4x4 and i am trouble shooting a temp guage that goes from a quarter the way at normal, to halfway when going up hills or on hot days. the guage does go back to normal after going down a hill, sometimes in neutral. i did overheat a couple of times, at least to 3/4's and a bit over, it lost some fluid out of the resevoir hose. the heater kept it from completely overheating. so i changed the radiator cap, the thermostat, and flushed the radiator. normal range is still 1/4 on the guage and rises to half when going up a hill. and while driving on a hot day on the highway it was just over half then came down eventually. i would like to bleed the system but do not see how it is done. also, the fan clutch has a bit of play to it when hot, is this normal? the fan does not have the play when it is cold. so how do i bleed the cooling system and does the fan clutch loosen after heating up are my questions. and anything else i should look into for this problem. thanx so much

ANSWER: with a vehicle that old, it's very possible that your radiator is in need of repair/replacement.

By the way, I have never seen an '88 Toyota van 4x4"



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the radiator has been soaked, cleaned and float tested, it was flowing great, even before the cleaning. what i am replacing tomorrow is the clutch fan motor because it had some play in it after the engine got hot.  i would love any other sugestions for checking. i have also did a couple  of techniques try and get any air out of the radiator. are you familiar with any of these van wagon models of toyota?  they have the engine under the seats, a real joy for working on. but i just got it and as far as gas mileage and room, it rocks. anyways i am not familiar with ins and outs of a  cooling system and just need help with any next steps to attempt next. thanx so much for getting back to me.

Answer
Yes, I recall those Toyota vans, but I nly saw a handfull of them before they were obsolete. I understand you have had your radiator cleaned and tested, but I have seen plenty of radiators that have been rebuilt and still have cooling problems. I even experienced this on a personal level on an older truck. Once I replaced the radiator, it cooled the engine like the truck was brand new.