Coolant Leak - 02 v6 taco

I noticed a coolant leak for the first time on my Tacoma. Looks like where the radiator supply hose connects to the engine in the front. Haven’t seen it before and had a hot day a few days ago where I was running the A/C for awhile running around town. No odd smells, no smoke, engine was cool. Nothing out of the ordinary but just noticed the drip spot below the engine after not driving the truck for a few days. Any advice on what to check/look for or potential problems would be great. Thanks!

 

You might have a hairline crack in the plastic expansion tank, either up top or down below. Mine was up top.

I would look all around the plastic of the radiator with a flashlight.

 

So I looked around and didn’t see any cracks. All I’m seeing is fluid somewhat crusted up around where the hose from the radiator connects to the engine in the front.

 

That's your thermostat housing. You might be overdue for a TB+water pump job w/ new thermostat, etc.

 

bump, mine is leaking from there as well.

 

The leak definitely looks like it's coming from the water pump or thermostat housing. Both are secured on the right side via 3 studs in the engine block and then 3 nuts. I had the same leak and fixed it with a new pump (which required taking off the timing belt). It's possible it's leaking from the thermostat housing to water pump seal but that wasn't the case for me. The job isn't too bad. Some great youtubes out there if you want to try it yourself.