1997 Toyota 4Runner New used eng. Radiator is hot/using wate

GABE G.

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
171,118 MILES

I just had eng replaced 1 month ago with used 1 after head was ruined, silicone blocked the oil ports to lft/head. Well anyways, the replacement 5vz? Eng, runs good but the radiator is much hotter than it use to be with the origianl eng. It has boiling pressure when removing the radiator cap, and uses all the coolant in the reserve tank as well. I just did the oil change and didn't notice any coolant in the oil. But the coolant was about 1+ quart low in the radiator and empty in the reserve tank. I had these topped off 3 weeks before and never noticed any excessive coolant use before. It seems as a reverse sucking pressure is taking effect. The mechanic that replaced the eng, wasn't the brightest. The only new parts are the heater control valve, w/pump/plugs/wires/belts and I'm not even sure hat the eng is an exact 5vz eng, replacement? He gave no serial #'s just said that the eng was a 2002 5vz things kind of turned sour. What do you say about the coolant issue.

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Gabe G,

Thank you for the donation.

The symptoms indicates a micro leak in the cooling system and not a fault with the engine or gaskets.

When micro leaks occurs, coolant is lost and the reserve tank is being sucked in to replenish those lost. Look out for sings of coolant staiins, especially at hose joints and the water pump. Check the radiator drain cork O ring.

If you are not able to detect any leaks, get a pressure test done.

If the coolant was not bled correctly after replacement of the engine, it would also cause the problem. How much coolant have you replenished so far and how often?

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 AT 8:02 AM

GABE G.

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I saw that the coolant was low when I 1st brought the car home in January. A coolant hose was leaking that time, that was an easy fix. I have topped off the reserve 2x and the same with the radiator all within 1.5 months time. I will perform the pressure test and bleeding then follow up from there, thanks. Really helps, great site.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 AT 11:16 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Thank you for the compliments.

Let me know if you require further assistance.

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Thursday, March 18th, 2010 AT 1:33 PM

GABE G.

MEMBER
6 POSTS

You were correct in your reply.

There were 2 small coolant leaks.
1 @ the heater control valve hose clamp & the other was a unfastened coolant hose clamp behind the engine head. All leaks have stopped.

Thanks again.

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Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 AT 11:37 AM

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