Coolant leak and and failed smog test (1 Viewer)

[Robert s]

my 1998 LX470 with 278K miles has developed a coolant leak. I recently replaced the radiator, Alternator, Tensioner, Fan pully and belt. I cannot detect a leak on the ground but do notice a slight weeping drip from water pump hosing area. I have removed skid plates and cannot see any leaks. There is pink crust around some of the hoses and the dealer recommended change of all coolant lines. I do notice a slapping knock sound at certain RPM but engine sounds OK a idle to me otherwise No check engine light failed a smog test with misfires on cylinder 8 and 2. noticeable loss of power when ascending longer hills. I notice a sweet smell in engine bay.

 

[2001LC]

"I recently replaced the radiator" You did or shop do it?

Which radiator?

I replace thermostat and radiator cap every radiator replacement and upper & lower radiator hoses most every.

First thing I'd do, is check coolant level in radiator. Do this with front higher than read of vehicle after 8 hour cool down. Next top reservoir. keep check to see if level dropping indicating a leak. be aware OAT (outside air temp) will change level in reservoir. So note the OAT each morning.

Clean the pink/red crusty or dripping and see if returns.

But mild external coolant would not cause a misfire. Most common cause of misfire is weak coils. Bad spark plugs or plugs walking out damaging coils.

Ticking time bomb TICK TICK TICK: Spark plugs Alert Alert Alert!

TICK TICK TICK POP POP POP is a ticking time bomb, often mistaken as exhaust manifold crack or gasket leak leak. ALERT, ALERT, ALERT: Spark plugs are working themselves loose. "Walking Out" Then blowing out of head, taking their female threads of head with them! Very damaging! You think TICK...

forum.ih8mud.com

When to replace Ignition coils.

As our 100 series fleet ages we're seeing more ignition coil failures. Is there a certain mileage or age where our 100 series with the 2UZ-FE engine are seeing the need to replace one or more ignition coils? If you’ve replaced any coils please post any performance differences before & after...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Robert s]

"I recently replaced the radiator" You did or shop do it?

Which radiator?

I replace thermostat and radiator cap every radiator replacement and upper & lower radiator hoses most every.

First thing I'd do, is check coolant level in radiator. Do this with front higher than read of vehicle after 8 hour cool down. Next top reservoir. keep check to see if level dropping indicating a leak. be aware OAT (outside air temp) will change level in reservoir. So note the OAT each morning.

Clean the pink/red crusty or dripping and see if returns.

But mild external coolant would not cause a misfire. Most common cause of misfire is weak coils. Bad spark plugs or plugs walking out damaging coils.

Ticking time bomb TICK TICK TICK: Spark plugs Alert Alert Alert!

TICK TICK TICK POP POP POP is a ticking time bomb, often mistaken as exhaust manifold crack or gasket leak leak. ALERT, ALERT, ALERT: Spark plugs are working themselves loose. "Walking Out" Then blowing out of head, taking their female threads of head with them! Very damaging! You think TICK...

forum.ih8mud.com

When to replace Ignition coils.

As our 100 series fleet ages we're seeing more ignition coil failures. Is there a certain mileage or age where our 100 series with the 2UZ-FE engine are seeing the need to replace one or more ignition coils? If you’ve replaced any coils please post any performance differences before & after...

forum.ih8mud.com

Dealer new installed radiator and cap and fan belt accessories. I recently had pepboys replace injectors, coils and plugs with all denso parts.

 

[2001LC]

I may let Pepboy replace a battery, if I'm over-watching. But that's it. No way would I have them do plugs, coils and fuel injectors. Even battery install these type of shops mess up stuff.

Number reason they're generally not specialist or even Toyota mechanics. They're a shop that speed out-ways quality.

My first concern would be contaminates getting into intake & cylinder head ports. It's so very important to clean area very well before opening up.
I've seen more than one compression issues from even dealership, much less these kind of shops. All from drop stuff into ports.
Second concern is seals at base of injectors and gasket on fuel rials.
Third, I'd also be concerned with torque on spark plugs and fuel rial.

Injector replacement is usually not necessary. I've run into one case it was do to leak down rate.

But regardless I be checking ever part they installed.

I'll repeat these 3:

1. First thing I'd do, is check coolant level in radiator. Do this with front higher than read of vehicle after 8 hour cool down. Next top reservoir. keep check to see if level dropping indicating a leak. be aware OAT (outside air temp) will change level in reservoir. So note, the OAT each morning.
2. Clean the pink/red crusty or dripping of coolant and see if returns.
3. Most common cause of misfire is weak coils. Bad spark plugs or plugs walking out damaging coils.

For number three I get a code read or have dealer diagnosis with tech stream. Misfire under load, will often NOT set off a CEL (check engine light), but can be read in real time data.

Don't assume because you paid to have done, it was done correct. Most work I do is correcting what others have done improperly.

 

[Robert s]

I may let Pepboy replace a battery, if I'm over-watching. But that's it. No way would I have them do plugs, coils and fuel injectors. Even battery install these type of shops mess up stuff.

Number reason they're generally not specialist or even Toyota mechanics. They're a shop that speed out-ways quality.

My first concern would be contaminates getting into intake & cylinder head ports. It's so very important to clean area very well before opening up.
I've seen more than one compression issues from even dealership, much less these kind of shops. All from drop stuff into ports.
Second concern is seals at base of injectors and gasket on fuel rials.
Third, I'd also be concerned with torque on spark plugs and fuel rial.

Injector replacement is usually not necessary. I've run into one case it was do to leak down rate.

But regardless I be checking ever part they installed.

I'll repeat these 3:

1. First thing I'd do, is check coolant level in radiator. Do this with front higher than read of vehicle after 8 hour cool down. Next top reservoir. keep check to see if level dropping indicating a leak. be aware OAT (outside air temp) will change level in reservoir. So note, the OAT each morning.
2. Clean the pink/red crusty or dripping of coolant and see if returns.
3. Most common cause of misfire is weak coils. Bad spark plugs or plugs walking out damaging coils.

For number three I get a code read or have dealer diagnosis with tech stream. Misfire under load, will often NOT set off a CEL (check engine light), but can be read in real time data.

Don't assume because you paid to have done, it was done correct. Most work I do is correcting what others have done improperly.

any advice on finding a Toyota expert?

 

[ajs]

any advice on finding a Toyota expert?

Where are you in LA? Steve at RPM in Monrovia is an LC expert.

 

[Robert s]

Where are you in LA? Steve at RPM in Monrovia is an LC expert.

Awesome information thanks