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Coolant Leak Nightmare

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by tonyspectacles, Jun 11, 2024.

  1. Jun 11, 2024 at 7:39 PM
    #1
    tonyspectacles

    #1
    tonyspectacles [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2023
    Member:
    #427042
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Anthony
    It's bad folks. I have a severe coolant leak. Please see the videos attached. Here is what I know:

    Vehicle:
    1. 1997 Toyota Tacoma 3.4L V6 SR5 4WD Extended Cab.
    2. Most recent work: Timing belt change, and so the water pump and thermostat all of which was done on April 13th. No issues at that time. Everything ran smoothly. Note I did this myself, and it was my first time doing it.

    The Leak:
    1. Started on May 30th.
    2. Started small and has become monstrous.

    With The Vehicle Turned Off:
    1. It does not appear to be leaking from the radiator.
    2. It leaks if I pour coolant into the radiator.

    With The Vehicle Turned on And Driving:
    1. It leaks in a steady pour - big volumes.
    2. The reservoir will begin to boil. No discoloration - in particular there is no evidence that oil and coolant are mixing.
    3. No engine light, no overheating, and no noticeable change to engine temperature via touching. The AC runs fine and very cold. That said I am adding coolant almost every trip, beginning yesterday. Trips are sub 5 miles.

    With The Vehicle Turned Off:
    1. Coolant leaks in a steady pour.
    2. Coolant leak stops in a few minutes.

    Videos (I attempted to embed them with no luck)
    https://player.vimeo.com/video/956850916?
    https://player.vimeo.com/video/956852764?

    Any feedback, no matter how bad the news is will be appreciated. My gut instinct is that it is the water pump. But maybe a hose or a connection from a hose into that area. I think I can safely rule out the thermostat. Thanks.
     
    tonyspectacles, Jun 11, 2024
    #1
  2. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:48 PM
    #2
    ztwatson

    #2
    ztwatson Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2021
    Member:
    #383995
    Messages:
    938
    Gender:
    Male
    Milwaukee, WI
    Vehicle:
    2004 Tacoma TRD Xtra Cab
    Just start breaking it back down and figure out what isn’t sealed. Obviously something got messed up during your install. Just need to check your work.
     
    ztwatson, Jun 11, 2024
    #2
  3. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:57 PM
    #3
    ControlCar

    #3
    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2023
    Member:
    #429578
    Messages:
    3,065
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    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
    That is crap ton of coolant

    my initial guess would be the water pump gasket
    Man happened to me
    Missed a bolt or folded the gasket
    That is where I would start

    u know, you could buy a coolant system pressure tester. It’s a radiator cap with an air connection on it.(like an air hose)
    Then you pump the coolant system (pump in kit) with positive pressure and see exactly where leak coming from(without engine running)

    Lemme see if I can find
    (Just saw this on an old Wheelers Dealers episode yesterday (82 Supra))
     
    ControlCar, Jun 11, 2024
    #3
  4. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:59 PM
    #4
    ControlCar

    #4
    ControlCar My Moto: Help & Learn…period.

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2023
    Member:
    #429578
    Messages:
    3,065
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steven
    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
    ControlCar, Jun 11, 2024
    #4
    ChinoXL likes this.

Products Discussed in

Wenzhon Radiator Pressure Tester Kit, Coolant Pressure Tester and Vacuum Refill Kit for Automotive Cooling System Water Tank Leakage Detection (Universal Fit 15PCS)
$42.99
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