Family, I need your help. My 2001 GS300 is overheating and I can't figure it out. Here's a little background; I drove her about 170 highway miles that day. As I was exiting the highway, noticed that the gauge was in the "RED". I can't tell you how long because I am not sure. It was a cold day, about 35 degress. After I noticed I drove her about 3 miles home parked noticed that the fan was not running. Let it sit for 24 hours and checked the radiator and the overflow was empty. I filled them both and idled the car for about 30mins. Gauge stayed normal, I figured all was well. Next morning I drive it to work (about 10 miles of which 8 are highway) it began to OH again. took it to Midas the had a hard time finding the problem. Things they checked: Temp sensor, relay, pressure test, electrical test. They thought that it was electrical because the fan would not turn on. jumpered the relay to run fan all the time. Attempted to drive car home it OH'd again. Took it to a Toyota dealer down the road they said that the radiator had a crack that allowed air pockets that effects the sensor which would not allow enough pressure to keep her cool! They want 700 to replace the rad...
This is my issue, I am scared that they are wrong and it will be something else! If there is a mechanic out there please give me your honest opinion? I'm thinking that it could be the thermostat, water pump but Midas, nor the Dealer mentioned either one. Somebody, anybody help a fellow Lexus owner.
Thanks