coolant leak

any thoughts on the cause of a coolant leak at fittings? i included a pic of the 2 worst locations, but i've noticed smaller leaks at others. i keep cleaning them up, and they just return. some background info, this started while the truck was on jackstands for the better part of 2 years, and I didn't run the truck during that time (i'm sure i'll get plenty of comments on this part). i was working on brakes, suspension, electrical, body, interior--nothing related to this. it's drivable again, and coolant level is halfway between low and full. no overheating issues.

 

Hoses at the heater control valve are normally neglected, thus they become brittle and prone to leaking.

Same with the front larger hose, although sometimes a leak up front can be confused for a leak at the top of the radiator (known to split on factory radiators).

Rubbers dry up and crack, so it's not uncommon to have to replace them. Not to mention, constant-tension clamps are cheap and easy to get so make sure to replace those with your new hoses.

 

Looks like you have 2 different clamps on your heater control valve. The one on the left should be replaced with one just like the one on the right (spring clamp)clamps. Make sure the new clamp fits over the indentations from the old one to make sure you don't have any leaks. Also I would inspect the valve for any damage as it it made of plastic

The clamp on the engine side of your upper radiator hose doesn't seem to be nestled into the original hose placement and might be too close to the timing belt cover. Looks like it is slightly past that point. Always try to use the original spots when moving the clamps back into position. That seems to be your problem.

 

Have you removed the top radiator hose for inspection
Might be some crusty gunk underneath that needs scraped off (happened to me awhile back)
Did you inspect the lower hose as well?

 

good info! thanks, everyone! i haven't done anything yet, but plan to drain the system, clean everything up, and replace all the bits.

 

It's been 50K miles and over 10 years since I replaced my Toyota radiator hoses with new ones. Is there anything wrong with using Gates or other non-OEM hoses?

 

Are they weeping coolant?
Spongy to the touch or still firm?

 

I'll check them tomorrow. I was just wondering if which brand(s) of radiator hoses to stay away from.