2013 5.7 200 series low antifreeze reservoir

[Marshpete]

My 13 200 series cruiser has low antifreeze in reservoir. It is just below the L marker. But shows some in the bottom of tank.

Should I be concerned?

I looked for antifreeze residue around the radiator cap and on bottom of the skid plate around the water pump.
Truck has never shown any leaks on concrete where it is parked daily.

What are some other possibilities for losing antifreeeze? Is it possible it just evaporated over time? It only has 62000 on it so unfortunately I have not checked it before. Toyota does the service on it like clock work. First plan is to go to Toyota get some antifreeze add to it and monitor it weekly to see how fast it is emptying the tank.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance

 

[tbisaacs]

Check the top of the radiator where the label is. This is a super common place to crack. My coolant was low before I saw it come out of the crack.

 

[40Man]

Just to confirm-the engine was cold when you checked?

 

[SWUtah]

Take it to the dealer have them check everything out you don’t want to fry your engine

 

[Marshpete]

Just to confirm-the engine was cold when you checked?

Yes

 

[Marshpete]

Take it to the dealer have them check everything out you don’t want to fry your engine

I agree and plan to bring it in if problem persist. I think I’d like to see how fast it’s using the fluid for a couple weeks. It is my wife vehicle so now I’ll be sure to monitor knowing there could be an issue.

I created this thread to discuss other possibilities to look for regarding the coolant system.

 

[Marshpete]

Check the top of the radiator where the label is. This is a super common place to crack. My coolant was low before I saw it come out of the crack.

Thank you for your response. I checked after your post it doesn’t appear to have any fluid residue or cracks.

 

[40Man]

Yes

Ok. As the engine heats the fluid expands (hence an overflow tank. The level should be close to the low level when cool. Check with a hot engine and see if the level is higher. It may be fine.

 

[Marshpete]

Ok. As the engine heats the fluid expands (hence an overflow tank. The level should be close to the low level when cool. Check with a hot engine and see if the level is higher. It may be fine.

Will do
Thanks for the response

 

[White Stripe]

Radiator cap may be leaking a smidge, they are pretty easy and cheap to replace.

 

[gaijin]

Ok. As the engine heats the fluid expands (hence an overflow tank. The level should be close to the low level when cool. Check with a hot engine and see if the level is higher. It may be fine.

Will do
Thanks for the response

In practice, the coolant level should be close to the F(Full) level when cool, but anywhere between L(Low) and F(Full) when cool is OK.

FYI:

HTH

 

[Markuson]

My fluid level moves with the range of the markings all the time, so not necessarliy an alarm bell. If it keeps getting lower and lower? Red flag. But I have come to expect fluctuations when I check mine.

 

[bloc]

One other place that some of these engines have been known to leak is into the valley between the cylinder banks, under the intake manifold. There is a formed chunk of foam sealing the front to keep dirt out and I don't know of a way to get it out without tearing it up or removing the manifold (not worth it).. but if it keeps using coolant you might want to have a look in there.

I'd get some coolant from the dealer (PN: 00272-SLLC2) and set it to the level outlined in the owner's manual. Then keep an eye on things. Also give the coolant in the reservoir a good look.. if it is greasy or cloudy that can point to other issues. Mine with ~130k looks as new.

Other possibilities, though very very rare.. (most I've never read about on a 200 at all, just possible given the design of these components)

1. into the oil (oil cooler or head gasket or timing cover leak, check under your oil fill cap for yellow/tan goo)
2. into the transmission (trans cooler in the radiator)
3. heating lines run all the way to the back of these vehicles for the rear heat/AC.. don't assume any puddles will be under the front of the rig
4. into the passenger compartment (front or rear climate control heat exchanger). You'd probably smell it in this case.

 

[Marshpete]

Thanks for the info. I have since bought some Toyota coolant and will now monitor the levels. I will watch the level and see how rapidly it is being consumed.

 

[TraderHal]

It could be your water pump.

 

[nicoparren]

Thanks for the info. I have since bought some Toyota coolant and will now monitor the levels. I will watch the level and see how rapidly it is being consumed.

Hi! What did you do to resolve this issue?