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Engine Coolant Question

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by bkrdave36, Jul 2, 2019.

  1. Jul 7, 2019 at 4:47 AM
    #41
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Randy
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    This sounds similar to what my truck does. I haven’t had any official tests done but just chock it up to a head gasket.

    In my truck, after driving for awhile on the highway under load, the cooling system will push coolant out into the overflow tank. Eventually, it’ll fill up and start over flowing down onto my skid plate.

    What I found is this. If the engine is barely working hard, it barely spits coolant out. I have a system down to where I’ll drive in 4th gear (manual) at 3k rpm 65 mph. Engine is barely working to maintain speed, I don’t lose much coolant, and I get 15mpg.

    If I drop it into 5th gear, I can watch my engine load increase, and the overflow fills a lot faster.

    The bubbles you’re seeing aren’t from the drain plug. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the rubber hose running from the radiator to the overflow, there’s an internal plastic tube running all the way to the bottom of the overflow tank.


    What I’ve learned in my research is that these head gaskets commonly leak st cylinder 6, and let exhaust gases into the cooling system. My theory is the cooling system gets too pressurized, so the radiator cap opens up and allows coolant to start slowly flowing into the overflow.

    Anyways this is all over the place and sorta rambling and I hope it made a bit of sense. For now my solution is to just transfer the coolant from the overflow back into the radiator manually, and drive like a grandma. And carry extra coolant on long trips.

    If you do notice yourself starting to overheat, crank the heater on full blast, pop your truck in N, and rev it up to 3k rpm. This will get air flowing across the radiator and cool it down.
     
  2. Jul 7, 2019 at 5:36 AM
    #42
    Tacologist

    Tacologist Well-Known Member

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    Rear leaf suspension. Home done tailgate re-inforcement.
    If you have a blown head gasket, that is a $3000 repair at most dealers. Drain the system COMPLETELY and try Steel Seal head gasket repair. It will cost you about $100 for two containers, but it is worth a shot. It is not compatible with Toyota coolant so that is why you need a complete flush and fill with pure water to use the stuff. If it works, they refill with Toyota coolant.
    Do a search to find out more.
     
  3. Jul 7, 2019 at 11:42 AM
    #43
    bkrdave36

    bkrdave36 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Dave
    Wittmann,AZ
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    06 Prerunner Double Cab Black
    Front OME Springs, Upper Control Arms, Icon Stage 3 Rear Leaf Springs, Durobump bump stops,Bilstein 5125 shocks, BFG All Terrain KO2 Tires, Avid Light bar and step rails, Victory 4x4 bed rack with Tepui Ayer Rooftop Tent, Anytime Fog light mod, Outside Air Temp Gauge mod, ImMrYo Rearview Mirror mod, Chinese Knockoff LED lights, Body Armor 4x4 Offroad Swingout rear tire carrier and bumper, Victory 4x4 Bed Stiffeners, Rattle can Custom Camo paint stripe, Truxedo Lo Pro tonneau cover, various Blue Ridge Overland Gear storage solutions in cab, thats it so far .... to be continued!
    I had an exhaust gas test done and it came back negative.
     
  4. Jul 7, 2019 at 11:45 AM
    #44
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Randy
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    The best way to test for a HG leak is a leak down test. Compressed air gets pumped into the cylinders and depending how quick the pressure drops, can indicate various things. If you want a definitive answer that’s what I’d have done.

    I haven’t yet because mine isn’t too much of an issue for me yet.
     
  5. Jul 11, 2019 at 10:41 AM
    #45
    bkrdave36

    bkrdave36 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    06 Prerunner Double Cab Black
    Front OME Springs, Upper Control Arms, Icon Stage 3 Rear Leaf Springs, Durobump bump stops,Bilstein 5125 shocks, BFG All Terrain KO2 Tires, Avid Light bar and step rails, Victory 4x4 bed rack with Tepui Ayer Rooftop Tent, Anytime Fog light mod, Outside Air Temp Gauge mod, ImMrYo Rearview Mirror mod, Chinese Knockoff LED lights, Body Armor 4x4 Offroad Swingout rear tire carrier and bumper, Victory 4x4 Bed Stiffeners, Rattle can Custom Camo paint stripe, Truxedo Lo Pro tonneau cover, various Blue Ridge Overland Gear storage solutions in cab, thats it so far .... to be continued!
    I'm still good with just the replaced rad cap. Fluid levels are stable and temp doesn't go above half on the temp gauge.
     
    Skyway likes this.
  6. Jul 11, 2019 at 10:51 AM
    #46
    Skyway

    Skyway Well-Known Member

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  7. Jul 11, 2019 at 1:42 PM
    #47
    WNYTACOMA

    WNYTACOMA Well-Known Member

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    Toyota Nerf steps Bugflector 2 Tool box Weathertech floor liners Wet Okole F/R - Bk/Char

    Dead toad? What, were they out of eye of newt?....
     
  8. Jul 11, 2019 at 1:45 PM
    #48
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards Well-Known Member

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    why you have dead critters chillin on your dash
     
  9. Jul 11, 2019 at 2:03 PM
    #49
    bkrdave36

    bkrdave36 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wittmann,AZ
    Vehicle:
    06 Prerunner Double Cab Black
    Front OME Springs, Upper Control Arms, Icon Stage 3 Rear Leaf Springs, Durobump bump stops,Bilstein 5125 shocks, BFG All Terrain KO2 Tires, Avid Light bar and step rails, Victory 4x4 bed rack with Tepui Ayer Rooftop Tent, Anytime Fog light mod, Outside Air Temp Gauge mod, ImMrYo Rearview Mirror mod, Chinese Knockoff LED lights, Body Armor 4x4 Offroad Swingout rear tire carrier and bumper, Victory 4x4 Bed Stiffeners, Rattle can Custom Camo paint stripe, Truxedo Lo Pro tonneau cover, various Blue Ridge Overland Gear storage solutions in cab, thats it so far .... to be continued!
    Because leaving live critters in your car is highly frowned upon in Phoenix in the summer time!
     
  10. Jul 13, 2019 at 5:58 PM
    #50
    bkrdave36

    bkrdave36 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Wittmann,AZ
    Vehicle:
    06 Prerunner Double Cab Black
    Front OME Springs, Upper Control Arms, Icon Stage 3 Rear Leaf Springs, Durobump bump stops,Bilstein 5125 shocks, BFG All Terrain KO2 Tires, Avid Light bar and step rails, Victory 4x4 bed rack with Tepui Ayer Rooftop Tent, Anytime Fog light mod, Outside Air Temp Gauge mod, ImMrYo Rearview Mirror mod, Chinese Knockoff LED lights, Body Armor 4x4 Offroad Swingout rear tire carrier and bumper, Victory 4x4 Bed Stiffeners, Rattle can Custom Camo paint stripe, Truxedo Lo Pro tonneau cover, various Blue Ridge Overland Gear storage solutions in cab, thats it so far .... to be continued!
    Assuming my cooling problem is a bad head gasket....

    As the motor will be apart....

    Is there anything I should consider replacing?
    Like fuel injectors, timing chain, or other sorts of things.

    As I dont have enough time (or confidence) to do the job myself it likely will be a stealership doing the HG repair.
     
    EatSleepTacos likes this.

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