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Oil cooler sprung a leak

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by austinsdad99, Oct 3, 2018.

  1. Oct 3, 2018 at 2:13 PM
    #1
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    While looking underneath my truck with a light I seemed to have noticed a small leak around the factory oil cooler. At first I fig it was running down from the top side from elsewhere but after wiping it with my finger it had a greenish color to it. After further inspection the outside appears to have a small amount of coolant on it. I know these have o rings but I don’t think I should be seeing coolant, oil seepage maybe but def not coolant.
    Would this be just a o ring replacement or does anyone think the cooler itself is cracked or something??
    Thanks
     
  2. Oct 4, 2018 at 2:09 AM
    #2
    lvs2rock

    lvs2rock Well-Known Member

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    There's more than one o-ring/seal on these oil coolers-at least there's more than one on mine (but you've got a, what, 6 cyl? whereas mine's a 4 banger so coolers probably not same......IIRC mine has a total of three) and the oil cooler seals are notorious for being the source of oil leaks on Tacomas. But-coolant? (scratches head) can't think of any way the oil cooler could be source of engine coolant leak-How's the coolant level in your radiator and overflow been doing?
    FWIW I bought the wrong outer seal for my oil cooler (OEM, from Toyota) (it's a molded o-ring, shaped somewhat like the number "8".... goes between oil cooler and engine block) so I have one I can't use if you want it. The oil cooler is also (sometimes) referred to as the "oil filter adapter housing".... I'll track down the part number (tomorrow) when I get home from work .
     
  3. Oct 4, 2018 at 4:40 AM
    #3
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yea mines the 3.4 I will check it again to see if I notice any green. I know the coolant runs through it some way internally. Like I say it was just a tiny amount. Coolant level is still fine. It has at least 2 o rings I know. A large one and a smaller one around the large center bolt.
     
  4. Oct 7, 2018 at 8:24 AM
    #4
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I realize it’s hard to see but along the back edge of the cooler it’s wet and has a green color to it. Not much but I didn’t know if coolant could actually seep out of these things or if I’m crazy.

    1BEAE5C3-298B-452A-961D-37F1FF7F0ADB.jpg
     
  5. Oct 7, 2018 at 8:32 AM
    #5
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    they are a pretty robust unit. I would suspect a coolant line first. These things aren't cheap to replace either.
     
  6. Oct 7, 2018 at 8:52 AM
    #6
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Coolant lines are bone dry, i had leaky valve cover gaskets that i replaced so alot of oil was seeping down that side, at first i fig it was just still wet from old oil that ran down.. it was the green color that threw me off.. im just gonna keep a eye on it, its not a issue right now just didnt know if it was a bad o ring or the actual unit was leaking.
     
  7. Oct 7, 2018 at 4:42 PM
    #7
    Glamisman

    Glamisman Well-Known Member

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    the o rings only seal the oil and not the coolant.
     
    austinsdad99[OP] likes this.
  8. Oct 12, 2018 at 1:33 AM
    #8
    lvs2rock

    lvs2rock Well-Known Member

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    keep us posted.......(curious to see what conclusion, if any).

    I never got to look up the part number because 'backup' laptop died- again- (I might have 'accidentally' 'contributed' to the final demise....bleeping computer.....)
     
  9. Oct 13, 2018 at 5:23 AM
    #9
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    As of now I’m just keeping a eye on it. I don’t really drive my truck much during the week anymore, I have a company vehicle for work. But it’s def on the list to things to repair. It hasn’t gotten any worse but anytime I see coolant where it doesn’t belong I get concerned lol.
     
  10. Oct 15, 2018 at 6:51 PM
    #10
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just got a quote from gunny, about $5 for both gaskets which I will get. And a FYI new oil cooler runs $601 from camelback. Those little things are expensive!
     

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