Checked my fluids this weekend, and noticed my coolant reservoir was pretty much empty. There is just a thin line of red or pink at the very bottom of the reservoir -- well below the Low line.
So, I have some sort of coolant leak. Would love any tips on how to go about troubleshooting to find the actual leak.
I have receipts from previous owner that Heater Ts were replaced about 6,000 miles ago. So in about 18-24 months, it has leaked out.
No idea if the hoses have ever been replaced. I was going to order the two radiator hoses (16571-50150 and 16572-50150) as well as the four clamps, and get some Toyota Red from the dealer as a starting point.
Is it as simple as doing a coolant flush, cleaning up the hoses and clamps areas (so new leaks would be more noticeable), and then wait to see if more red leaks appear?
Here's some photos which are what's leading me to replace the radiator hoses first:
Have read some threads I've read:
My understanding of flush process (never done this, learning, so just verifying):
Tools needed:
Thanks -- know this is long, just don't want to get into the middle of doing this and have missed a step or realized I needed some other part, extra coolant, etc.
So, I have some sort of coolant leak. Would love any tips on how to go about troubleshooting to find the actual leak.
I have receipts from previous owner that Heater Ts were replaced about 6,000 miles ago. So in about 18-24 months, it has leaked out.
No idea if the hoses have ever been replaced. I was going to order the two radiator hoses (16571-50150 and 16572-50150) as well as the four clamps, and get some Toyota Red from the dealer as a starting point.
Is it as simple as doing a coolant flush, cleaning up the hoses and clamps areas (so new leaks would be more noticeable), and then wait to see if more red leaks appear?
Here's some photos which are what's leading me to replace the radiator hoses first:
Have read some threads I've read:
Cooling system flush & burping coolant: what's your process?
Will be digging into my TB job this weekend; which will include a cooling system flush. I'm not planning to to use any cooling system "cleaners" this time around, it was done 2 years ago. I am replacing water pump, thermostat, hoses, radiator, heater T's & related hoses and flushing with many...
forum.ih8mud.com
Radiator Flush/Coolant Drain DIY
For anybody that may be interested. I just drained my coolant as part of the timing belt change. I got some pictures, for future reference. Here is the DS block drian cock, above the oil pan. Less than a gal drained. Here is the PS drain cock, symetrically in same spot as the DS but hidden...
forum.ih8mud.com
Another Radiator Flush Question
A few weeks ago one of the Heater T's blew. I finally have the radiator to swap out. Since the problem i have been adding DM water every few days as the radiator was leaking. I will say that prior to the blow out i had SLL Pink in there. With the radiator leaking daily its all gone as there is...
forum.ih8mud.com
My understanding of flush process (never done this, learning, so just verifying):
Tools needed:
- 1/4" or 5/16" interior dimension clear tube
- 10mm socket
- Lots of distilled water (~12 gallons to be safe?)
- 2 (or 3 to have extra?) gallons of Toyota Red coolant
- Attach tubing to block drain cocks and into empty 1 gal container
- Loosen bolt with 10mm socket
- Once empty, tighten bolts back (block bolts = 9 ft/lb, radiator = hand tighten)
- Empty radiator from bottom in same manner
- Fill with distilled water (~4 gallons?)
- Turn engine on until reaches operating temperature with heater on high to get everything flowing into the engine
- Turn engine off -- allow to cool
- If what drains is not clear water -- repeat steps 1-7, then continue to step 9
- Re-check all drains are closed
- Anticipate ~1 gallon of distilled water still in system, add 1 gallon Toyota Red concentrate to radiator (to bring up to 50/50 mix of 2 gallons in system)
- Mix 1 gallon Toyota Red with 1 gallon distilled, add to radiator (rookie question: do you have to mix it in a separate 2 gallon container, or can you add them individually and it will mix in the system?)
- Secure radiator cap back on
- Turn engine on, get to operating temp, turn off, check reservoir. If below full, add more 50/50 mix.
- Repeat 12 and 13 until stays at full.
- Check reservoir periodically over next few days to make sure stays at full.
- Properly recycle old coolant.
Thanks -- know this is long, just don't want to get into the middle of doing this and have missed a step or realized I needed some other part, extra coolant, etc.
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