Radiator coolent leak *help identify* w/pic

Hello Tacomaworld,


Can you help me identify the port that is leaking out of the bottom of my Radiator?




I think its time for a new Radiator but I was curious if anyone can identify the port in the photo. I am planning to replace the radiator and new houses all around. Does any one have a parts list for this type of repair? or a link to a talk thought!

 

Upon further self research; this valve "petcock" is probably not leaking but more likely I'm seeing fluid from the rusty radiator, its just collecting on the "petcock".

 

Are you talking about the circled area? That's the radiator drain port.



EDIT: looks like you figured that part out already. Look at the top plastic portion of your radiator and you may see some hairline cracks. That's where mine failed before I replaced it.

 

yes what is circled. I tired to move it by hand but Its tight on the treads.

 

Being tight don't mean anything. Most radiator manufacturers use oring and over time, they dry rot.

 

Yeah this is true! O rings die with time. I am still planning to replace the radiator and upper and lower lines.

 

Just placed an order for the parts below:

2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 3.4L V6
CONTINENTAL 66379 Radiator Hose $ 13.57 $ 0.00 1 $ 13.57(LOWER)
CONTINENTAL 66032 Radiator Hose $ 10.83 $ 0.00 1 $ 10.83 (UPPER)
DENSO 2213138 (221-3138) Radiator $ 156.99 $ 0.00 1 $ 156.99
PRESTONE AF6200 Coolant / Antifreeze
Type: Prediluted $ 8.72 $ 0.00 6 $ 52.32

I am also going to snag a Lisel funnel so the burping process should be smooth.

 

That list looks good. Where are you buying the parts?

NM, they link to rockauto. Please post how the continental hoses work out for you.

 

Are you using the "Pink" coolant made for Toyota's. I've read this it's not wise to run "Green" coolant in these trucks. maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in on this subject.

 

I've seen some Toyota/Lexus cars come in the shop with mixed coolant, it's not as bad as GM with their Dexcool where you may kill the engine.
It just makes the coolant a weird brown color. I stick with the pink coolant from Toyota, it's readily available and easier to find leaks.

 

OP, use the proper antifreeze. That is NOT the place to get cheap on. There really is a difference in AF types and their chemistry. Don't need the Toyota branded stuff but you do need the proper type. Even my Taco and Honda are different. The old Mazda just gets the green stuff but it's also 30 years old.

 

Well well well, thank you all for your input and some advice! I busted out this radiator swap after work last night and it was not easy but very manageable for a routine repair.

The hardest part was getting the new radiator to line up with existing holes in the truck. IF YOU HAVE AN ARB BUMPER you will not be able to get your grill off to easily access the radiator bolts. I'm sure this is a non-issue if i went for the OEM part but I needed to get this fix done faster than waiting 10+ days for the parts to come from Camelback Toyota in AZ--- the East coast.

The Continental upper hose fit like a glove.
the Continental lower house required some cutting* see image below*.

Yes I used a red/pink coolant.

Glad to have this job behind me and back on the road.



The above image is about how much you need to cut off with a SHARP razor blade!
Below: Using extensions to go through the grill. I loosened the grill and popped some clips but could not remove it because of my bumper.

 

Awesome feedback. Just as a FYI, I had to swap over my OE side radiator brackets because the new one that came with the Denso rad was off by 1/4". After that, it went in like a glove.