98 Avalon water leak

SLAMMINSAM

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA AVALON
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
139,000 MILES

While driving 98 toyota avalon, engine shuts off, won't restart. Notice water leak from block area, fill with water/coolant steady leak from block area, (not the hoses or radiator). Tried to start, will crank, but not start.
Could a leaking water pump keep it from starting?

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

The leaking water pump would not prevent the engine from starting but overheating due to loss of coolant would blow the head gasket resulting in loss of compression and preventing the engine from starting.

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Sunday, March 20th, 2011 AT 6:03 PM

SLAMMINSAM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks! That was it. I was hoping it didn't get that hot. Checked compression. Nothing.
How expensive is a head gasket replacement?

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Sunday, March 20th, 2011 AT 7:16 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Book time for replacement of one bank is 7.8 hours and 12.6 for both. Head gasket is $56.41 per piece. There could be a lot of hidden cost depending on the amount of damage.

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Monday, March 21st, 2011 AT 1:26 PM

SLAMMINSAM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Wait a minute, it wasn't a head gasket!
While the water pump was leaking, the water pump bearings locked, causing the timing belt to break. No compression since the belt is not turning the OHC.
So instead of $2000+ for head gasket, it's going to be $700 for water pump & timing belt.
Evidently not an uncommon problem with Toyota's.

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Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 AT 12:10 AM

KHLOW2008