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Radiator leak

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by responsible currency, Sep 20, 2023.

  1. Sep 20, 2023 at 4:28 PM
    #1
    responsible currency

    responsible currency [OP] Active Member

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    Josh
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    1997 5 Lug Toyota Tacoma Ext Cab
    I went to go to the garage to drive my truck today and noticed a small stain on the ground. When I inspected the front grille, there was a little liquid and some rust formed behind it. It’s bright green in color so I’m assuming it’s the radiator? It was changed two years ago and wondering if anyone can spot where it’s possibly leaking from. Thank you fam!

    video: https://imgur.com/a/CelvBOG
     
  2. Sep 20, 2023 at 6:38 PM
    #2
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Northern Lehigh Valley Pa
    Vehicle:
    2000 Tacoma 5 speed 3.4
    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    To be sure loan a cooling system pressure tester from your local auto parts store .

    How much coolant have you needed to add every day?
     
  3. Sep 20, 2023 at 6:39 PM
    #3
    responsible currency

    responsible currency [OP] Active Member

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    1997 5 Lug Toyota Tacoma Ext Cab
    I just noticed it today but the overflow tank is slightly below full and the main tank when removing the cap shows full. I will definitely try and rent the coolant pressure tester. Now that I look at it, the overflow tank does have another hose that points towards the ground and could have just overflowed out. I was idling it outside for 20 minutes trying to diagnose the AC, maybe that could be a reason?
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2023
  4. Sep 20, 2023 at 9:56 PM
    #4
    ControlCar

    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

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    Sugar Land TX
    Vehicle:
    1996 Taco 2.4L 2wd Automatic
    Clock Volt meter/LSPV Delete/Hyundai 16’s/FP gauge/after 9months of wrenching ZERO oil leaks
    Got to really inspect radiator on that driver side. Top to bottom
    Typically, the aluminum crimping to the plastic ‘cap’ is a weak point. Check front and back of aluminum portion of rad for wetness
    IF rad shows full(when cap removed)
    Points to an upper leak on rad
    If the radiator
    As Bivouac stated, pressure tester will show if bad radiator if no visible damage/leaks found

    please tell me you have never seen coolant reservoir fill to top and burp out liquid
     
  5. Sep 20, 2023 at 10:52 PM
    #5
    responsible currency

    responsible currency [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Vehicle:
    1997 5 Lug Toyota Tacoma Ext Cab
    Surprisingly I have never seen it but it seems like that is the culprit after inspecting the radiator. I will definitely rent the tool to confirm. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge to this noob!
     

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