2002 LX470 Coolant Leak - Can't Identify (1 Viewer)

[JDWCruiserMS]

For a little bit now, I've been smelling that "syrupy" smell when I get out of my truck. Upon investigation I found a crack in the neck of my radiator and replaced. Well that didn't stop the smell. I got to investigating today and dropped the skid plate. Much to my suprise I have major leak going on. It was all over the skid, dripping from the crossmember, on the oil pan, alternator, and a number of other spots. I did my best to clean it up and then I cranked it and watched. No leak will running, but when turned off it was consistently dripping from somewhere under the alternator but I can't see from where. What lines run under there and does anyone have a fun diagram of the piping that runs around the engine?

Thanks,

Leaky McLeakerson

 

[ncrockinfj]

following as I have something similar going on with my '03

 

[jharley]

What's your coolant level look like? Possible that you overfilled the overflow bottle and your getting some spillage from there after shutoff?

The other think I'd be thinking is water pump.

 

[Spike555]

Buy some UV dye for coolant, follow the directions. You’ll find the leak.

 

[txnight]

It could be leaking from the bottom side of your water pump gasket. it's hidden from view and could run down towards the alternator.

 

[terrond]

from what you are describing it sounds like your water pump - mine did the same about a month ago. if it's not a leaking hose from above that area, you will need to dig into it to find the actual leak. when this happened to me I just ordered the Aisin TB and Water Pump kit and started that job which was due anyways.

 

[JDWCruiserMS]

Water pump sounds right.... if the engine is running it wouldn't leak correct? (because it doesn't leak when engine is running)... This is a bit disheartening because I've had the timing belt done twice in 2 years (it jumped last year) and now the water pump possibly.

 

[jharley]

Water pump sounds right.... if the engine is running it wouldn't leak correct? (because it doesn't leak when engine is running)... This is a bit disheartening because I've had the timing belt done twice in 2 years (it jumped last year) and now the water pump possibly.

I take it you didn't do the waterpump with either of the timing belt jobs?

Side note, I am fairly new to the LC 100, and was a bit surprised to learn what a PITA the water pump is to replace compared to other vehicles I've owned

 

[3_puppies]

Side note, I am fairly new to the LC 100, and was a bit surprised to learn what a PITA the water pump is to replace compared to other vehicles I've owned

not a PITA when done with the timing belt, I change them whether they are leaking or not when doing the timing belt.

 

[JDWCruiserMS]

I take it you didn't do the waterpump with either of the timing belt jobs?

Side note, I am fairly new to the LC 100, and was a bit surprised to learn what a PITA the water pump is to replace compared to other vehicles I've owned

Water pump was done during the first belt change... and I assumed resealed during the second

 

[JDWCruiserMS]

Would it be the water pump if it only leaks after the engine runs and is turned off? The truck has been parked for 1 week with no leaks.

 

[jharley]

Would it be the water pump if it only leaks after the engine runs and is turned off? The truck has been parked for 1 week with no leaks.

I think what can happen is there is a transient increase in pressure in the coolant system just after shutdown, as heat from the engine is transferred to the coolant but the coolant is not circulating through the radiator. For this short time, coolant can be forced out of the weep hole in the water pump or through a slightly compromised seal.

If you really want to nerd out, here's an abstract of a scientific study showing this very thing:

(PDF) Engine Rapid Shutdown: Experimental Investigation on the Cooling System Transient Response

PDF | Experimental measurements have been taken on a production four-cylinder, multipoint (fuel) injection spark-ignition engine, 1.2 dm³ displacement... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate

www.researchgate.net

 

[Robert s]

For a little bit now, I've been smelling that "syrupy" smell when I get out of my truck. Upon investigation I found a crack in the neck of my radiator and replaced. Well that didn't stop the smell. I got to investigating today and dropped the skid plate. Much to my suprise I have major leak going on. It was all over the skid, dripping from the crossmember, on the oil pan, alternator, and a number of other spots. I did my best to clean it up and then I cranked it and watched. No leak will running, but when turned off it was consistently dripping from somewhere under the alternator but I can't see from where. What lines run under there and does anyone have a fun diagram of the piping that runs around the engine?

Thanks,

Leaky McLeakerson

Any luck with this issue?

 

[JDWCruiserMS]

Any luck with this issue?

Not yet... been super busy at work and haven't had time to take it... I've got cardboard under it and am not seeing any active leaks while it has sat for two weeks.... Crank it up though and it's Niagara Falls!!

 

[Robert s]

For a little bit now, I've been smelling that "syrupy" smell when I get out of my truck. Upon investigation I found a crack in the neck of my radiator and replaced. Well that didn't stop the smell. I got to investigating today and dropped the skid plate. Much to my suprise I have major leak going on. It was all over the skid, dripping from the crossmember, on the oil pan, alternator, and a number of other spots. I did my best to clean it up and then I cranked it and watched. No leak will running, but when turned off it was consistently dripping from somewhere under the alternator but I can't see from where. What lines run under there and does anyone have a fun diagram of the piping that runs around the engine?

Thanks,

Leaky McLeakerson

I see you live in Madison. I’m originally from Gulfport and living in Los Angeles now. They are cool vehicles, have you considered the Land Cruiser specialist on hwy 49 in Richland?

 

[JDWCruiserMS]

I see you live in Madison. I’m originally from Gulfport and living in Los Angeles now. They are cool vehicles, have you considered the Land Cruiser specialist on hwy 49 in Richland?

oh really! big jump from Gulfport to LA! I have. I have a mechanic in Canton that I've used for a while now. I'm prob going to use 49tire for my 285's coming shortly.

 

[suprarx7nut]

Water pump, water neck, front bypass seals, water bypass pipe, lower rad hose come to mind.

Clean it up REAL good. Start the car for a few minutes, shut it down and inspect it with flashlights, mirrors, etc...