Coolant leaking

Tiny
VALF
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
Hi. The coolant (on my vehicle listed above SR5) is leaking on the engine joint near the oil dip stick. Sorry, I don't know what to call it. On picture 1, using my magnetic pick-up pointer, you can see the rubber gasket where I saw the coolant slowly dripping. On picture 2, you can see the yellow oil dip stick handle then my magnetic pointer close to the source of leak from a further view. What can you suggest to on how to fix this without breaking the bank? Thank you very much for your help.

Val
Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 5:48 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,358 POSTS
Hi Val and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The pictures didn't upload. Can you do it again? The thermostat housing is on the front of the engine and I suspect that is what you are referring to, but I'm not sure.

The first picture I attached shows an exploded view of the thermostat housing and its components. Take a look at it and let me know if that is the problem. If it is, the housing will need removed and you will need to replace the rubber o-ring gasket. Here are general directions for replacing the thermostat which will show removing and replacing the housing. Also, if you do remove the housing to replace the gasket, replace the thermostat while you have it apart. It isn't expensive and if original, you should do it as preventative maintenance.

_____________________________________

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. These directions include thermostat testing and replacing.

PROCEDURES

See Picture 1

REMOVAL
1. DRAIN ENGINE COOLANT
2. DISCONNECT LOWER RADIATOR HOSE

See Picture 2

3. REMOVE THERMOSTAT
a. Remove the 3 nuts, wire clamp, water inlet and thermostat with gasket from the water pump.
b. Remove the gasket from the thermostat.

INSPECTION
INSPECT THERMOSTAT

HINT: Thermostat is numbered according to the valve opening temperature.

See Picture 3
a. Immerse the thermostat in water and heat the water gradually.
b. Check the valve opening temperature and valve lift.
Valve opening temperature: 80 - 84°C (176 - 183°F)
Valve lift: 8.5 mm (0.335 inch) or more at 95°C (203°F)
If the valve opening temperature and valve lift are not within specifications, replace the thermostat.

See Picture 4

c. Check that the valve is fully closed when the thermostat is at low temperatures (below 40°C (104°F)). If it is not tight, replace the thermostat.

INSTALLATION

See Picture 5

1. INSTALL THERMOSTAT
a. Place a new gasket to the thermostat.
b. Install the thermostat with the jiggle valve downward.
c. Install the water inlet with the 3 bolts.
Torque: 20 Nm (200 kgf-cm, 14 ft. lbs.)
2. CONNECT LOWER RADIATOR HOSE
3. FILL WITH ENGINE COOLANT
4. START ENGINE AND CHECK FOR LEAKS

Let me know if this is the problem. If it isn't, please upload the picture so I can get a better idea of the problem.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
VALF
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Joe. Were you able to see the pictures that I uploaded?
Thanks!
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Thursday, January 24th, 2019 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
VALF
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
Thank you for your immediate response. I am re-uploading the photos again where the leak is coming from.

I think it is not the thermostat. I hope I'm wrong.

Thank you,
Val
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Friday, January 25th, 2019 AT 8:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

There are so many places coolant can leak that it is impossible to tell from pictures.

You need to pressure test the system and use a bright LED light to find the source of the leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Once you determine the leak, get back to us so we can further help.

Roy
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Friday, January 25th, 2019 AT 8:01 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,358 POSTS
Hi Val:
That is roughly the location of the thermostat as well as the water pump and different hoses. I can't tell exactly where you see the leak in the pics. With that being said, I am going to recommend you pressure test the system to help determine where the leak is actually coming from. You will need a pressure tester. It is nothing more than a pump that attaches to the radiator. You remove the radiator cap and attach the pump and pressurize the system. Then, when the engine is cold, you can take your time without getting burned and locate the problem. When the system is pressurized, you should see the leak.

I am going to attach a couple links, As far as the pump, most parts stores will lend or rent one to you and they are easy to use. However, as always, don't open the radiator until the engine is cold.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Follow the directions in the two links I attached. Let me know if you need help or have questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, January 25th, 2019 AT 5:45 PM

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