Coolant levels are frustrating!

The radiator is full. But the resi still depletes down the below low. Every time.

 

All right up date everybody. Got a call, no damage to radiator, but seems to be leaking. So they are replacing the radiator.

appreciate everyone’s help in this issue. Once I go in I’ll get more info/post tech notes. Very weird. Thank god for warranty

 

Weird. Cracked sides?

 

She said the tech didn’t see any physical damage, and it was just leaking. I’ll get more info when I go in, it was just one of the girls who called to let me know to scoop up the rental.

 

Leaking radiator, but no coolant...
Milkshake time?

 

don’t know what milkshake time means!
I wonder, could this of fucked Up my engine? Should I be asking for more than just a radiator?

 

Would this be covered under 60k drivetrain warranty? i think i have same issue.

 

From what I’ve read, no. Radiator is not a direct engine component, it’s classified as an accessory or something weird..

 

Well that sucks. I'm an idiot for not taking mine in when i had the warranty. Let us know what tech/notes say.
Thanks

Edit:
Here is my thread btw, the consensus in responses was that its normal.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/coolant-reservoir-low.618283/

 

For sure, after reading more.. I wonder if it’s been going on for awhile and the techs didn’t catch it at last service. Which could’ve mucked up engine gaskets to transmission?
When I go back and they have “ fixed the problem” if I don’t see anything about checking tranny etc, should I ask for them to look since it could possibly cause issues there? I’ve literally got less than 2 months of bumper to bumper lol, this has gotta be fixed before.

 

Think this only happens to people with 3rd gens named Gregg

 

Haha

 

Generally techs dont care, they do the bare minimum to fulfill toyota care warranty and send you on your way, at least from my experience.
Definitely a good catch before the warranty is up.

 

Milkshake is the mix of oil and coolant. A leak the size youre seeing should present itself either externally or internally.

External leaks should show on a line pressurization test as air and coolant will escape. External leaks should have a visible residue, pink and chalky. There would be a sweetish smell, like syrup while running hot.

Internal leaks are the real concern. Not trying to scare you here. Leaking reservoirs that disappear to no where are draining to somewhere. Pulling the engine oil cap and seeing a yellowish (snot like) or white foamy residue can be sign of coolant mixing. Next would be a sweetish smell out the exhaust or excessive white smoke as the coolant is burned off begins to bypass seals and exits the exhaust. Eventually you'll get a CEL as the coolant will destroy the converter and foul sensors. By then youre usually F'ed.

I would request pictures or proof the external leak if it exists. If they dont have one, be diligent on watching the reservoir level after they return the truck to you.

Oil lab analysis would be a good idea to verify there's no residual trace coolant.

 

should I call back and request them to check the tranny, oil, head gaskets?

 

As long as the leak is external and they can prove that, you should be fine. Assuming the truck never overheated. Reservoirs are the back up the radiators, running them low is "ok", once theyre empty its just a guess to how full the radiator is.

 

Should they have checked gaskets, tranny, oil? Or do I have to specifically request this, don’t want to end up getting screwed. Lol

 

Trans should be fine. No way to check for head gaskets other than disassembly or a compression test, but you havent had any issues with it running rough or misfire.

If the leak is external, then just get an oil lab done after the next oil change.

 

It's transmission fluid. Where the trans cooler goes into the radiator

 

my MPG went to shit, could that be misfires? I went to low 15’s I don’t know. Something just isn’t right.