Getting a slight odor of coolant

Ever now & then I'm getting a slight odor of coolant. Sometimes when I start my truck(when it is cold) & sometimes when I'm driving.

I can't find any leaks. Nothing is dripping. The overflow was a little low, about an inch from full.

Any ideas? I have 110,000 miles on my 05 DC.

When is the proper time to change the water pump on the 2nd gen?

Thanks,
Sean

 

There is a "weap hole" to let you know when the water pump has lived out its life. If you see dried coolant under the waterpump then it's time for a new one. I changed mine at 60K

 

Thanks. How difficult was it to change? How much does a water pump for these trucks cost?

I changed one on a 97 Jeep Grand cherokee. That was a bitch to change. No room to work.

 

where bouts do you see this weap hole?

 

I bought my 99 3.4 V6 at 57,000. First thing I did was to change timing belt, cam seals, and when I pulled the water pump I could see it was leaking. On a 3.4 the water pump is almost a required item (at time belt change)because it's already broken down to that point. Don't forget I was replacing cam gear seals and had to pull off the cam gears.(timeing belt also) so a h2o pump was the least of my cost or worry, just good insurance. By the way @ 57800 miles the belt was in great shape, no rot or cracks. I now have 100K and looking forward to the next 40K.

 

In my case I didn't even notice the leak (on a 3.4) with all the belts, fan and plastic on the front end. Once it was all removed,...crap I see my waterpump is leaking. No difference in cooling, but I "ASSUME" at factory intervals some mechanic would see it. Never assume anything. Just make a point to look at the water pump the next time the plastic is off your truck(somewhere in the 70-90 thousand mile range). That is my opinion.

 

I'm passed the 70-90k range. Sitting at 110,000 miles.

 

Update: Had my truck checked out. No leaks could be found. The water pump had no problems. The tech said the 2nd gen trucks have better components & last alot longer. The hoses & belt looked great.

I took it to a new place in Atlanta. http://www.toyotechs.com/about-us/

I had gotten some quotes if the water pump needed replacing.

Atlanta Toyota quoted $766 WTF That is crazy.

Athens Toyota $666 WTF That is crazy.

Toyotech $466.

Also I asked what they would charge to replace my shocks, if I brought in Bilstien 5100's. $350 to replace all 4. Goodyear quoted me $550.

I will start using this place instead of the dealer for major repairs.