2012 TRD rad leak?

Looking for some advice before calling the mechanic. Is this a huge fix? Will I need a new rad?

 

That looks like freon and how often are you filling the coolant?

 

thats an ac leak not a coolant leak. this trucks coolant is pink not green.

 

You might have two different leaks going on there. One with the radiator and another with the refrigerant for the A.C. Unless the coolant leak is at a fitting or in the hoses, you'll probably want to replace the radiator. You can do one of those stop leak products, but those are just bandaids.

 

I've never filled it. I did not know I had to fill it. I’ll have to get a jug of coolant and top it of. I don’t think I’ve ever had to top off any other cars I’ve ever owned.

 

coolant experiences evaporative loss and needs to be topped off every once in a while, if it hasn't been filled since 2012 there is a good chance it needs to be topped off and its not leaking.

 

Critical item 1 - As far as the coolant goes you need to fill the reservoir back up and see if it holds. If it continues to leak, find where the leak is coming from before throwing parts as expensive as a new radiator at it. Could be a simple hose leak that just needs hoses replaced.
Get that fixed before you overheat and get stranded. Then worry about the A/C leak.

 

Found this thread, looks identical to this issue. I guess it's an ac leak.
Anyone know what this is going to cost on average?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fluid-coming-from-high-side-ac-radiator.264964/

 

Could cost nothing. If your in a cash pinch you don't really need ac. Also, if the ac system has lost pressure its an easy task to do your self at just the cost of parts, then pay an ac shop to charge the system.

 

Fill the coolant ASAP.

 

Would you know what coolant I need for my truck?

 

I try to stick with OEM but if not Prestone 50/50 mix has NEVER given me any issues.

 

Top off the coolant with red toyota available at most parts stores, keep an eye on the level

The refrigerant leak could just be the o-ring at the connection

 

If you have never replaced the coolant, now would be a good time to do so.

Due to the different metals used in modern engines and cooling systems, letting coolant go to long can lead to internal corrosion issues due to the depletion of the chemicals that keep galvanic corrosion at bay.

 

Yep if 10 years and you never changed the coolant its past time. Remember to open the 2 lower block drains when you do. Put a new radiator cap on with the same pressure thats stamped on your current one as several options. I would refill overflow with water and run for a few days and see if its stable first then if so change with Toyota fluid premixed 50/50. Look at all the hoses and feel for soft spots and any hose clamps that are leaking. My 09 has 183k and original hoses. That overflow is vented so evap occurs.

 

So question here for everyone. Does coolant really evaporate? I have a 2015 with 80k miles and just changed my coolant recently. Never before have I had to add coolant.

just asking if it’s like brake fluid. You are not supposed to add it. If you do, that means there is an issue.

 

coolant is 50% water, water evaporates at room temperature. Also the reservoir Isn't pressurized and can get hot. Can't escape physics.

 

True. Water can Escape the over flow tank. But it seems like the rest of the system should be in a closed system. Shouldn’t get out.

but yeah. I get what you mean now.

 

the systems not closed it constantly drains to the overflow tank as the water expands due to the temp change, than after it cools down it shrinks and has some evaporation.

 

Which one of these do I need to buy?
https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/RCO49601PT

https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/VAL857852?impressionRank=2

https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/RCO49604RT?impressionRank=1

Asian red doesn't seem to be compatible with my truck