Coolant leak...

So i picked up my truck a couple months ago that sat for over a year. I have a coolant leak by drivers front tire- guessing water pump, and the truck is hard/slow to start but fires up on second try every time still slow.

So question- how hard is the timing chain/water pump to change out and look for advice on the hard/slow start-- starter maybe??? Or should I just take it in to my local shop?

The truck is in great shape, but I also want to make it last.

Details on truck-- timing belt changed at 92k in 07, it now had 170k so it's due soon. It has the 3.4 liter, 2wd limited double cab auto.

 

Only thing close to the driver side tire is your thermostat/housing that's right there by the alternator.

12mm deep socket will get these bolts off the thermostat housing and your thermostat uses a ring type seal.

Slow/hard start wouldn't point towards a starter; a starter will either not turn over at all (depicted by a single click) or continue turning over after it's on.

Have you replaced the fuel filter?

Done other maintenance such as plugs, etc?

 

For the timing belt, if you are capable of working on your own truck then yeah, you can do it. A good overview is here:

https://adventuretaco.com/guide/ste...r-3-4l-v6-5vzfe-also-4runner-tundra-and-t100/

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https://youtu.be/tAM-Inw1U-I

https://youtu.be/21covLH53bg


If after reviewing the above and you don't feel comfortable, no shame taking it in.

 

I have new radiator hoses already, and have ordered a OEM fuel filter that should be here tomorrow. I was going to try the fuel filter first and see what happens.

I have new radiator hoses as the top one has a bulge and needs replaced. Ordering a new OEM thermostat tomorrow morning to replace it all at once first or should I just do the timing belt/water pump. It would be a lot better for me to change those in 6 months, but if it needs it, it needs it

 

Thanks for the videos I will check them out. I am very capable of doing all of the work, but for me it comes down to time. With my new job I have almost zero free time, and when I do have free time, my wife wants to take the boat out.

 

Replace the thermostat when you do the timing belt/water pump.

This will make things much easier - awesome product

$30 Lisle 24680 Spill-Free Funnel, Standard Adapters, 11 x 7 x 7"es

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-24680-Spill-Free-Funnel/dp/B00A6AS6LY

For the fuel filter -

https://youtu.be/vdDhXZIs6Lo

 

Yup, already have a funnel, and if I need a new timing belt I would replace the thermostat as well as all of the accessory belts.

 

@Timmah! I hope I'm sending this to the right person. I watched the video posted above on the fuel filter replacement. Is the power to the fuel pump in the same location on a 03 DC. Under the back passenger seat, drivers side. Or is there fuse that I can pull to kill the fuel pump instead of doing it this way.

thanks in advance for any help.

 

No you just posted to this thread .

Not sure why your wanting to kill the fuel pump

I have after the first time cracked the lines let them drain swapped fuel filters

If you want to keep the truck from running remove the EFI fuse

On the 2000and 2001 the wire harness connector is under the drivers seat To need to pull the Door to remove the seat is far to much work for me after the first time.

 

thanks, that's the answer to my second question, and a much easier way of doing it.

 

The top radiator hose was leaking in 2 spots, I had an extra hose and new coolant. I replaced the hose and topped off the fluid and there is no leaks, puddles or drips.

Also the truck turns on very quick- within 3 seconds now. I wonder if the hose was causing a vaccine leak causing the engine coolant temp sensor to read incorrectly leading to a difficult start. Either way the hose seemed to do the trick

 

The reason to pull the power to the fuel pump is so you can start the engine afterwards to run it very briefly until it dies to depressurize the fuel lines. This is straight out of the Toyota factory service manual. Is it necessary? Not really. You can just remove the fuel cap and wait a while and that takes pressure off the lines. Removing the EFI fuse will kill the fuel pump but it will also kill the injectors and the injectors firing is what helps depressurize the lines.