Minor coolant leaks 2007 Tacoma 4 cyl.

My 2007 Tacoma 4 cyl with 140K miles has minor coolant leaks coming from both ends of the upper radiator hose. The hose still feels supple and flexible. The hoses were replaced at 90K miles. I only have to add a half pint of coolant every 2-3 weeks. What recommendations do you have? Much appreciated.

 

Just a guess.

Parts house hose? Worm clamps?

If yes, replace with a Toyota hose, use OE clamps

Make sure the attachment points are clean, smooth and not contributing to the problem.

 

Yes to both questions!! Thank you so much! I will be shopping for OEM hoses and clamps.

 

Just tighten them. Nothing wrong with worm clamps, if you use them right. It does help to have a torque wrench for them so you don't tighten them too much. They take 8-9 inch lbs. the thing with OE clamps is they are designed to the thickness of OE hoses. They are a one-time use for me. Worm clamps do require re-torquing, as you are finding out.

 

I agree there's nothing wrong with them when used properly. But often they are over tightened and deform the hose. When it starts to age, it starts to weep.

For some mystical reason I've found OE rubber superior to aftermarket, and you can't overtighten OE clamps. So for many situations, it's the right call

 

@Clearwater Bill It is a matter of perspective as I have not found a situation where an OE clamp is better than a worm gear clamp. If I had a penny for every OE clamp I dumped, I’d have quite a pocketful. I recently started using the German style clamp - it has the ridges on the outside, not punched through like most we are familiar with. They are pricier but holding up pretty good.

 

Aren't the OE clamps spring-type? Worm clamps back off, spring clamps don't

 

I’ve seen spring clamps lose their tension. The screw in a worm gear can back out under ‘ideal’ conditions. I have never seen it happen.

 

Ok, I decided to buy OEM hoses and clamps from Toyota. Upon taking a close up look at the clamps (not worm clamps) I'm now wondering if there is a special type of pliers or tool that would make opening the clamps to place them on the hose easier.

 

It looks like that clamp is already in the open position. Just remove that orange thingy.

i have this one but I see many more affordable models.

$30 Astro Pneumatic Tool 9409A Hose Clamp Pliers,Blue Clamp Pliers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3N7YW

 

Update: After tightening the worm clamps with a torque wrench to 8-9 inch pounds I'm still noticing the coolant leaking. I haven't put on the OEM hoses and clamps yet. I'm considering taking the truck in to an independent repair shop for a free inspection.

 

nothing wrong with worm style clamps, just make sure theyre tight enough...
When we sell customers a hose job, were replacing all hoses & clamps, installing worm clamps on every hose that didnt come with a factory clamp.
majority of the time, new hoses dont come with clamps & we dont go through the trouble to source factory spring clamps, pointless....

 

Ok, when I bring it in to the repair shop to have them diagnose where the leak is coming from, there could be several scenarios. What would be the labor charge on a Hose Job? What would be the labor charge for a water pump? This Tacoma has had the water pump replaced once and coolant replaced once. Current mileage: 140K. Last question: Is it ok to use an aftermarket water pump?

 

Did the 2007 2.7L still have the crappy plastic coolant bypass pipe?

Maybe that is part of OPs issue. . .

 

Its leaking at the hose connection? Look for corrosion underneath the hose and clamp

I recommend avoiding any shop that offers to look at it for free

There's no value in free inspections. The shop is under pressure to go fast and look for low hanging fruit. They will not put in the extra time if it ends up being a tricky problem. If they can't find something obvious they'll shrug and say "we have to try A, B, and C and see how it goes".. which certainly not a cheap route to go..

If it was something obvious you'd be able to see it yourself

In my experience the free shop ends up being the expensive shop

 

Not a good pic. But I've come across a TON of Toyota trucks with corroded outlet pipes, thermostat housing outlet, radiator outlet etc. For some reason the Toyota coolant is corrosive. The corrosion gets so bad it forces the hose off of the outlet pipe and causes a leak. I see them a lot when doing timing belt jobs.

I bet if you remove the radiator hose, it will look like this. Just sand it down and install a new hose.

 

If going aftermarket water pump request AISIN only.

 

I hate those dang things. Plenty times it’s smacked me. Even with the special tool.

 

I know another mechanic who doesn't like those spring clamps either. Sounds like it would be worthwhile to pull the old hoses and clamps off, clean the outlets with sandpaper or steel wool, and put the new hoses back on with the spring clamps (wearing goggles). I should probably get a OEM thermostat while I'm at it.

 

I need a cooling system pressure test kit!