Coolant Flush Valve Leaking

Hi all,

Need help figuring why the coolant flush valve is leaking slowly even though I have tighten to the max.

I have a 2005 Toyota Taco Off Road PreRunner, 5 months ago I replaced both upper and lower coolant hoses.

I went ahead and loosen the coolant valve underneath the truck and got most of coolant out and then replaced the hoses.

Now, I noticed there is coolant drops dripping slowly from this valve. I have tightened to the the max that I can without breaking it.

What else can I do? Please advise.

As you can see the valve is wet and coolant drops are dripping slowly like one drops per 10 mins but if I drive, it drips more frequent.

 

It's O-ring sealed.
Getting it tighter doesn't help.
Tightening "more" it doesn't squeeze it any harder to seal.

Replace the O-ring.
Or better yet, the whole valve.

 

Thanks, where can I buy the the whole valve or O-ring? At dealership?

Thanks

 

Yes. The dealership will have them.

Most parts stores have them too.
They wont be OEM, but it will be fine.

 

Do you know what tube size the drain outlet is? I want to connect the tube to the drain outlet when replacing the plug so that I won't lose too much coolant. Thanks

 

@TnShooter, I picked up the plug today at the dealership.

Question -> Can I replace the plug without draining all of the coolant? OR drain all and then replace the plug and then refill?

Thanks

 

Not easily. No.
You could leave the radiator cap on, and plug the drain.
But once the valve is out, it will come out the valve hole.
If you are quick, you might not loose a lot.
But it will be a mess.

I'd drain it into a pan. Then pour what I drained out, back in.
I don't remember the size hose I used. But the drain has a place on it you can slide a hose over.
That way it drain in to the pan cleanly, and not all over the truck.

There will only be about 1 gallon drain out.
It will fit in a milk jug. Use the hose to drain it and it will be easy.

 

Thank you!!!!

 

Another good thing about draining it.
Is that once the valve is out, you can clean out the valve port.
Most of the time, a piece of trash (rust) gets in there when draining, and that’s what damages the seal.
I like to use a Q-tip to stick in there a swab it out. The. Put the new valve in.

 

It's a common problem on radiator drain valves. They get flat-sided over time from just sitting there. You pull it out to drain the coolant and then it never seals again.

 

@TnShooter, Quick question: can I just hand tighten the new plug in? Or should I do 1/4 turn after the plug stops turning? Thanks

 

If you do it cold as in it sat overnight and hasn’t been started yet, you’ll lose less.

 

I just used my hand to tighten it.
Good and snug with your figures works.

That is why there are wings on it, and not place for a wrench.
It is intended to be "Finger tight". The wings are there for your fingers.

 

It’s probably leaking because you have an O ring and plastic radiator from 2005 past the lifespan of said parts.

 

@TnShooter, I checked the drain valve this morning and it is still leaking slowly. I have tightened. Maybe I need to use a plier to tight it more? Thoughts?

 

You can. You have nothing to loose by trying. I think I used a 22mm six point socket. It grabs the wings nicely. That’s what used to break it loose with. Mine was stuck tight from the factory.

But yeah, give it a good snug turn with a wrench or 22mm socket.