Did Toyota fix the leaking coolant bypass pipe on 2020+ models?

2017 with 134k miles no problems drive daily

 

2011, Base, 4 Cylinder, 125,000 miles, just starting to leak a small drop in the bend in the upper attachment piece behind the power steering pump. Parts are on back-order. You are looking at a tow at best if it breaks off while on the road. At worst a ruined engine if you don't notice it fast enough.

 

^Two year old thread on the turd gen V6, not the same leaking bypass pipe as the 2.7L.

 

Post was still of interest to those of us with a 2.7L.

 

Early 2016, bought new, leak at 90k.

Sure it’s not an issue until it happens to you. I pulled the transmission and replaced it… was leaking at a seam line in the pipe from the molding process (I presume friction welded). This is in addition to a leaking AC evaporator I had to replace. Shame on Toyota.

 

… “Ticking time bomb”

That pretty much sums up everything on earth that doesn’t last forever, including the human body….

Now excuse me while I go drop a bomb…

 

I'm trying to figure out how you came to that conclusion considering it's a different component between the I4 and V6.

Either way, internet forums are notorious for greatly blowing out of proportion any issues that any make or model has.

 

Yep, and every human heart has a limited number of beats in it

 

It sucks to be on the downhill side of that count.

 

For sure. Stratocaster, that sucks, man. Hopefully you can get squared away quickly and without too much trouble. Side note, Davidstaco, I think you're good, no cause for alarm. AFAIK they updated the bypass pipes on the 2.7's since then, yall now have a metal piece. Just wish they did the same for the 3.5

 

Well just maybe it's the "plastic" and the shape is not the issue. I can tell you for sure (since I just ordered parts) Toyota has replaced the plastic "Pipe Water By Pass" with a metal one (part#16268-75112) for my 2011, 4 cylinder. The fact that you can no longer purchase the plastic part tells you something. As expected the part I need as well as the gaskets I will be replacing are all on back-order.

Researched the job and decided I could do it, BUT I just don't want the aggravation involved. Just too little room to work and too many hoses, wires,, bolts, studs, clamps, etc. Crazy Toyota dealer estimated at least $1000 ($165/hr labor). They also wanted more than MSRP for the parts (something about their "matrix", didn't know I was in an alternate reality). Found a great old school mechanic who will do it for $325 if I supply the parts. Will be replacing all gaskets and thermostat as well.

 

You’re the man, thanks for the info, haven’t even looked at it to see for myself.

 

Sounds reasonable, glad you have a solution there.

 

Only if you haven’t lived life to the fullest, never quit, and exceeded your own expectations in life.

If there’s any regret anytime, life sucks no matter the count.

 

My 2017 started leaking 4 years ago. I put in two containers of Subaru coolant conditioner (which Subaru uses to keep cylinder head gaskets from leaking). That stopped the leak and so far it has not come back.

 

There's always ragerts. Just a matter of having enough time to make them right.

 

I thought about that type of solution, and it would be an option if it was a part that was easy to access if it started severely leaking. However, if it fails I'm looking at a tow, waiting for parts and being at the mercy of a thieving mechanic plus transportation aggravation. We all know they starting using plastic to increase profits. Surprised they didn't switch this pipe to metal long ago. I think the problem goes all the way back to at least 2005.

 

I'm good as long as I can avoid major random shitstorms (like losing all my coolant in the middle of nowhere at night in the rain). On the 4 cylinder the pipe weakens over time and mileage. If you're lucky you get a heads up with a pin hole leak around the top bend of the pipe. I saw a video in which the pipe came apart in two pieces when it was unbolted. I assume the material can't take the temperature stress over time, and that's why they switched to metal. The leak is so small that I hardly lose any coolant, but I ain't waiting for a shitstorm.

 

Did you put the stuff directly in the radiator or into the overfill? Im in the same situation and might dump some of this into my system. I need to do a coolant flush but I am worried about pressurizing the system for a flush and cracking my bypass valve more

 

Wait until you all find out that your radiator is made of two pieces of plastic stuck together, or that your coolant hoses are rubber...

The coolant reservoir appears to be HDPE, the same stuff milk jugs are made of

Dang cheap Toyota, should've made everything from stainless steel.

The other poster said it right: these forums magnify any issues, since people without issues aren't likely to get on here and post about it.