Water Inlet Leaking

[super90]

So I've got a leak on the LX right where the water inlet asembly connects to the water pump. It looks to be leaking right at the rectangular fitting as seen in this video at 11:40-12:10.



Question is, what is the path of least resistance to fix that? Can I just drain the system and pull the hose on that side and pull the water inlet and replace it, or do I have to remove the fan, serp belt, etc.?

Also, T-belt service was done at 90k at the local Lexus dealer. Truck now at 125k.

TIA

 

[hankinid]

So I've got a leak on the LX right where the water inlet asembly connects to the water pump. It looks to be leaking right at the rectangular fitting as seen in this video at 11:40-12:10.



Question is, what is the path of least resistance to fix that? Can I just drain the system and pull the hose on that side and pull the water inlet and replace it, or do I have to remove the fan, serp belt, etc.?

Also, T-belt service was done at 90k at the local Lexus dealer. Truck now at 125k.

TIA

Drain a gallon or so of coolant using the radiator petcock...the rectangular fitting is sealed with Toyota FIPG. What's tricky is fitting the housing back on and lining everything up perfectly as well as shoving the hose fitting onto the short hose...I used silicone grease both inside the hose and on the hose fitting. You do stand the risk of bumping the fipg while you line it all up...amhik.

 

[super90]

Studied this some more this morning. Looks like I can drain and pull that rad hose and carefully remove that inlet assembly. I talked to the Yota parts guy and he said just use Permatex Waterpump and T-stat gasket maker. Picking up the gasket and o-ring now. Wish me luck. I'm 90% sure this is the source of the leak and hoping it isn't from waterpump weephole.

 

[hankinid]

Studied this some more this morning. Looks like I can drain and pull that rad hose and carefully remove that inlet assembly. I talked to the Yota parts guy and he said just use Permatex Waterpump and T-stat gasket maker. Picking up the gasket and o-ring now. Wish me luck. I'm 90% sure this is the source of the leak and hoping it isn't from waterpump weephole.

Permatex Ultra Grey silicone or the NAPA equivalent also works well...I would let it set for a couple of hours prior to replacing the coolant.

Good luck.

 

[super90]

10-4 Thx

 

[Alex B]

Hello Robert,

I have 03 LX470 as well, and I got 90K service done one year ago. A couple months ago, I noticed my coolant reservoir was empty, and upon checking I saw old coolant residue all the way to the bottom of the engine. From what I read on the forum, my leak is same as what you described in this thread.

I am assuming you have solved the issue by now. Can you post a follow up and share your fix? I am planning to tackle it myself instead of taking it to the shop.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[super90]

Looks like the same issue.

I was pressed for time and took it to my independant mechanic. I had the o-ring in hand. He pulled the top casting from where it attaches to the top of the water pump, cleaned everything, put in the new o-ring and new "form a gasket" on the flanges, and buttoned everything back up. Maybe an hour or so and charged me $120.

 

[ton504]

Usually its the o ring that gets pinched when they installed it dry. It may look like its leaking from the square water pump opening.

Clean the square water pump opening and the other opening thats sealed with the o ring. Clean old fipg off the thermostat housing.

Apply new bead of fipg on the thermo housing. I apply just enough cover the "channel". This will give you just a little excess when squished. I use a silicon grease on the o ring. Slip the small rubber hose on first. Then slip the o ringed part in while checking alignment of the square part and water pump. When installing the two 12mm bolts, it will pull everything together.