What leak am I looking at?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

bloc said:
Second pic shows the lower radiator outlet which is a couple inches above the drain plug. Doesn't seem to me that should be wet if the issue were the plug. Also if the o-ring on the plug seal were failing it should just be pouring out the little spigot below it.. that's the whole point of the spigot.

Take a picture of the top tank of the radiator, especially the area around the small flat area with part number writing on top of it. I'd be surprised if your mechanic left a failing radiator in amid a valley plate reseal but stranger things have happened.
Click to expand...
Here are a few more pics in better quality.You'd be correct in thinking it isn't the plug. Is it possible it's leaking from the red circled area? I'm thinking of letting the engine warm up and watching from there to see. I'll also take some photos from the top and send soon.

pic1.webp
IMG_7798.webp
 
Leak appears to be at the lower tank seam, and that doesn’t seem to be a factory radiator.
 
bloc said:
Leak appears to be at the lower tank seam, and that doesn’t seem to be a factory radiator.
Click to expand...
I'm going to run the engine and watch that seam for leaking, that'll confirm the spot. If it's that, it'll need a new radiator.
 
bones25 said:
I'm going to run the engine and watch that seam for leaking, that'll confirm the spot. If it's that, it'll need a new radiator.
Click to expand...
Good call. Pay attention to where the lower rad hose attaches.. if that's the source it would be easy to fix.

An aftermarket radiator failing at the tank seam isn't surprising though. If you do replace it insist on a factory toyota part. They are available for a decent price from serra toyota.. and importantly, lately their packaging has been doing a good job of ensuring they survive the trip intact.
 
bloc said:
Good call. Pay attention to where the lower rad hose attaches.. if that's the source it would be easy to fix.

An aftermarket radiator failing at the tank seam isn't surprising though. If you do replace it insist on a factory toyota part. They are available for a decent price from serra toyota.. and importantly, lately their packaging has been doing a good job of ensuring they survive the trip intact.
Click to expand...
Just watched the leak, seems to be from that lower seam close to where the lower hose attaches to the seam. New radiator will be needed. CarFax hadn't listed the radiator as a repair the previous owner did but it's not original like you said. Did have a front end accident so might've replaced it then. Kind of bummed though since I picked this thing up about a month and a half ago. Excepted to do the valley plate but not the radiator and valve body.

Nevertheless, thank you and everyone for all the help. I appreciate everyone's time responding :beer:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom