Did Toyota fix the leaking coolant bypass pipe on 2020+ models?

Does anyone know if Toyota fixed the leaking coolant bypass pipe on 2020+ models?

 

Does anyone know if there is a version 2.0 of the bypass pipe that's been designed "stronger"?

 

I didn't know the bypass pipe was an issue in the first place. Must not be that common of an issue.

 

There are many threads about this happening. It seems like an issue. It's more common on 2016-2017, but that might be because those trucks have higher mileage at this point?


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3-5l-rear-water-bypass-joint-leak.651341/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/check-your-3-5l-coolant-pipe.531758/

 

The pipes are the same on the 20 and 21's per the most recent thread on the matter. Someone did find an all aluminum version used on a Lexus model, but it's not a direct bolt on as you'll have to reconfigure the hose coming out of it iirc You can likely find the thread here with some searching. I don't remember if they figured out a good combination of parts to make it a direct swap

 

You would think Toyota would have fixed this problem by now.... That's disappointing, I just bought a 2021. Seems like a ticking time bomb...

 

@Jowett found an aluminum one that fits, but needs some minor modifications to work on the Tacoma. He's currently testing some 90 degree hoses to make it almost plug-n-play for the Tacoma.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...for-plastic-rear-coolant-bypass-joint.701890/

 

Perfect, this is the thread I was referring to.

 

I asked a toyota tech i've know for years when i last saw him about any issues on the 2020 before biting the bullet to buy one. Said most issues on the earlier gen3 trucks have been addressed, but for some stupid reason you still have to pull the motor to replace that plastic bypass pipe between the cylinder heads. Just shrugged his shoulders when i asked why didn't they use a cast metal one.

 

Its more common on older high mileage v6 engines. I don't do a lot of miles per year, and hoping these plastic pipes hold up for the life of the truck before beginning to leak.

 

There are threads on a lot of things but that doesn't make them common. I'm not trying to be an ass but I'm trying to say it isn't as much of a "ticking time bomb" as you think. I have a 2017 (late 2016) and haven't had any issues so far and I drive a lot. Granted I'm not really high mileage yet, but still. I'm at 53k but the last 40k was put on in the last year and a half, when I purchased it.

 

No problems so far on my 2017 (late 2016) and I drive quite a bit. Fingers crossed anyway.

 

That cooling pipe could very well have been a defective batch. Why would you put a problem in your head that isn’t there. These trucks are not ticking time bombs. They are made very well. Just drive it and take care of it maintenance wise the best you can, and don’t read into these things so much.
You have an awesome truck. Enjoy it !

 

61k On my 17, no issues.

Speaking of time bombs, wait until you read about the timing cover leak. I mean, all modern vehicles are ticking time bombs in one way or the other.

 

People are ticking time bombs for that matter. You can’t worry about everything

 

Pull the motor ?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/check-your-3-5l-coolant-pipe.531758/
Intake manifold. See post #9

 

Our old 2016 3.5 Tacoma that used to be driven by the security department of the company that I work for had 194,000 miles on it after 5 yrs. Now our IT guy is driving it and coolant has never leaked and still not leaking from the bypass.

Edit to add that my wife's 2017 3.5 with 41,000 not leaking as well.

 

I think it was @Stocklocker that said every vehicle has a limited number of revs in the engine? Simple and true.

 

Everything has a limited life span.
Some longer than others.

 

It’s not a problem. Just because a couple trucks here and there may have experienced an issue doesn’t mean it’s systemic.