2016 with dropping coolant levels

[82SC]

Car was purchased 2 years ago at CarMax. With 106k on the clock. Now with 130k. I do my own basic maintenancen. Noticed coolant was pretty low a couple months back so I filled it. Then 2 weeks ago it looked low again so I filled it to the F line. Now it at the L line. My buddy’s earlier LX 570 had the dreaded valley leak. And he has to rebuild the top as he blew a gasket. So I’ve been more cognizant of this.

I don’t see any obvious areas of drips on the underside. Bell housing looks clean.

Radiator is fine and the newer version.

Haven’t have a chance to remove anything more then the plastic cover and peer thru the gaps at the valley.

Any thoughts….

Crap…I didn’t find anything on search about the later LC200 with the updated radiator having coolant leaks.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

If you have a borescope, you can check for the valley leaks fairly easily. There's a small piece of foam near the front of the intake manifold that you can sneak a borescope (with light) around either side to check for a valley leak. If you see pink foam, you've found a leak, and it may not be a big enough leak to cause leaks down the back of the engine/transmission. Often the coolant just settles in the valley and dries, making it tough to find without removing the intake manifold or using a borescope. Alternatively, you may have some success with a flashlight, bending the foam with a finger.

Other common leaks include the radiator itself (usually on top of the rad, on the older models), the heater "T"s (between the engine and the firewall), and the water pump (front of engine and somewhat obvious).

I've heard about enough coolant leaks from 3urfe's that I'm starting to wonder if the pink "long life" coolant is the problem.

 

[bloc]

I agree you need to have a good look at the valley plate. As long as you keep coolant in it you aren't at risk of damaging anything else, which buys you time to fix it if needed.

I've heard about enough coolant leaks from 3urfe's that I'm starting to wonder if the pink "long life" coolant is the problem.

185k miles of toyota pink here and zero issues, including perfect heater Ts. Other than the early radiator anyway, which as we all know is to be expected.

 

[Sandroad]

I don’t know how much you drive in 2 weeks, but if you’ve lost that much coolant out of the expansion tank in that time, you’ll be able to see evidence of a leak easily with a careful look around.

 

[tacoduck]

Op, any updates?

 

[tbisaacs]

I've had the misfortune of replacing my radiator twice — once because of the usual crack in the top. I've had a pretty slow coolant consumption issue for a while and assumed it was a valley plate, but upon pulling the cover and moving the foam I don't see any signs of it. Turns out my radiator was leaking from the bottom around where the drain is. In between where the fins meet the plastic. It was imperceptible until recently when I saw coolant residue on the inside of my skid plates.

Worth looking outside of the usual places.

 

[82SC]

I've been checking it with the engine cold and it seems to be holding at the same level. I don't know if I looked when warm or what....but I've been trying to be more consistent with keeping an eye on it with engine cold on a level surface...

Think hearing my buddy have to rebuild his LX570 freaked me out little

 

[AnyMal]

Also:
Hows your oil clarity and tailpipe exhaust color? Do you do your own changes?

Good indication if you should park it or not in the interim in case its contaminating or burning.

 

[crussell3234]

Is the coolant reservoir low when cold or when engine is at temp? My 2011 is low when cold but reservoir gets full when hot.

 

[Hakosuka200]

Got a 2008 diesel which had Cooling system service performed by Landcruiser " Experts..." .Several Months later used heater and Coolant level dropped Twice. They hadnt Bled air out of Heater system .