New dude here, worried about my radiator

Hey guys, just bought an 06 tacoma recently with 166k miles. EDIT: i have the inline 4 cylinder. Just noticed that the coolant overflow tank is way above the fill line when cold (wasn't like that when I first looked at it, I think the dealership added it while fueling it up) and the radiator isn't full of coolant. I couldn't tell how much coolant was missing from the radiator so I just used a turkey baster and put a good few squirts from the overflow tank into the radiator but the radiator still isn't full enough for me to see the fluid.

Also, here is a pic of what the tube looks like connecting to the radiator cap: https://i.imgur.com/07x6ejF.jpg

The truck didn't overheat on my hour drive home nor is there any weird exhaust fumes coming out. Oil seems fine. Could smell coolant when I got home but I think it's because it was getting pushed out of the overflow tank. Engine runs a little rough when idling, but nothing uncommon in my opinion for a 12 year old vehicle. It is a 1 owner vehicle and seems to have been taken care of really well outside of this issue. Any ideas on what's going on?

 

If you're still within the 3 day buyers remorse time, take it back.

 

Welcome to TW, I agree with this^^^^

 

Dang, really? Whats up with it?

 

Is that fouling on the inside of that tube/hose?

Do a complete coolant flush for a baseline to determine if there are any problems.

 

Looks like you may have head gasket issues, have it verified by an independent shop.
-OR-
It may have had a head gasket issue in the past an nobody bothered to flush the radiator out.

 

Leaking head gasket. The previous owner found out how much it would cost to fix and traded it in on a new truck.

I could be wrong and it could be just a bad radiator cap.

 

Like used car dealer, or a real dealership? That looks a bit milky. Get some PINK fluid and fill the radiator.

 

Real dealership.

 

Not saying it is but I have to agree with the head gasket theory

 

Kicking myself right now for not looking into it. Damn.. They have a 3 day "trade back" policy where I can trade it in for a car of equal or lesser value. Is it worth doing that or should I try to flush the system and hope it's not too bad?

 

Well, that's better than a used dealer for sure. That milky stuff is indication of a possible head gasket issue. I would be interested in how low the radiator really is on fluid, but you need to get it full for it to properly use the overflow. The fact that it did not overheat is a good sign, but they may have thrown some of that nasty sealant in there, which would be no bueno and only a temporary fix.

 

How long ago is "just"?
Nvm. I posted too slow.
You should discuss it with the dealer to have them verify the issue. Dont just wait and see what happens. It may be a bad radiator cap (allowing coolant to exit the radiator at lower pressure), or it may be a head gasket leaking. Either way, the dealer should have verified they werent selling a possible lemon.

 

If it is losing coolant to the reservoir, it most likely is a head gasket. Fill it up and drive it a bit. See what happens. Any excessive steam out the exhaust? Does the exhaust smell sweet? That milky stuff is oil in the coolant. Wipe it out before you refill. Careful when you go to open the cap after driving. Could have excessive pressure built up. I always throw a large rag over the cap and twist it part ways off, slowly. Hot coolant is no fun on you.

 

If they were willing to sell you a POS, do you really want to take a chance on another POS off their lot.

I think legally, you can take it back within 3 day, and just get your money back.

 

I'd flush the coolant and have it checked for a head gasket leak by an independent shop like @Jeffs68 suggested.

It could be the remnants of a head gasket issue... Or it could be an ongoing head gasket issue. Obviously one is better than the other, but it's worth finding out for sure all things considered. I'd act fast though.

 

Or you could just say to hell with it, take it back like what @Muddinfun said, and buy a Tacoma that a TW member is selling.

 

Take it to someone you trust ASAP and have a leak down and compression test done. If it's a head gasket most likely culprit is cylinder #6. Check that plug and see if it's wet.

 

My thoughts exactly. If they can prove that the head gasket was done at the dealer before putting it for sale, you might be fine, but don't let them "get back to you," get them to pull up the work order while you are there. Otherwise, get yo money back.

As a note, I had the timing belt done on our V8 4Runner, along with water pump, and after driving it a bit I had to add coolant. They may have done the work and not gotten all the air out of the system. So it may be legit, just make sure.

 

Why #6? Runs hotter or leaner than the other five?