Radiator fluid all over engine

Well, after messing around with it outside, the problem (assuming it's the only one) is quite obvious...you can even see it in the second picture I posted (counting from the top).

My question now is which route do I take? I assume the best answer is to get a new radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and hoses.

I would like to hook up the engine to a pressurized machine and "flush" out all of the orange coolant/any debris? and replace it with the OEM pink fluid. Can this be done?

 

Yes...

Replace;

- radiator
- radiator hoses
- thermostat

Use screw in clamps and you can re-use radiator cap.

You can go to shop or fast lube places to get system flushed... It will run about $60-$100 OR if you are cheap you can do a "back yard flush" known as "mexican flush" or "redneck flush" no offense meant... Do as follows...

1, unscrew radiator cap
2, start vehicle
3, unscrew radiator drain plug
4, insert garden hose into radiator fill
5, turn on garden hose
6, keep flushing until vehicle is at operating temperature
7, flush until clear water starts coming out
8, turn off hose
9, wait until no water comes out of drain plug (means no fluid in engine)
10, shut off engine
11, refill system with toyota coolant
12, burp system

Its great to have a friend watch the temperature gauge during this process. Temperature gauge should never go past normal operating temperature. Avoid running engine without coolant for more than few seconds, water pump uses coolant as lubrication. Make sure to REMOVE radiator cap BEFORE starting the vehicle and getting to operating temperature

And yes this method is not environment friendly....LOL

 

Since you're replacing the radiator, hoses and thermostsat I wouldn't take a chance on the radiator cap. I would go ahead and replace it anyway. What happens if the cap goes bad and fries the engine after overhauling the cooling system?

 

Unless you make provisions to capture all fluid that comes out of this process (I doubt it), this approach is highly irresponsible. Please don't ever do this, anyone. It is highly toxic to the environment, yours or your neighbor's pets may drink the runoff and be killed, and if you or your community is on groundwater supply, you are potentially poisoning your friends, family, and neighbors. And if you fish or hunt, you are poisoning the watershed and anything that depends on it, including what you kill and eat. We live in a natural system, folks, you are a part of it.

(dismounting soapbox)

Please do the responsible thing and take it to a qualified shop to do the flush and recover the toxic waste.

 

I was simply presenting another alternative rather than paying money to a shop for them to spend 10seconds hooking up their machine and charging anywhere from $60 to $100.

Yes I understand that this method is bad for environment, that's why i put the disclaimer there...

 

Easy find, you got lucky. That crack wont epoxy, been there tried that, fwiw, to much heat flex.

new cap also, along with hoses, clamps, radiator, coolant, ect.

The Stant lev-r-vent caps are nice, all I buy. Easy to keep a eye on the level, without getting a mouthful/facefull.

Good band clamps, if the parts store has them..
http://www.turninconcepts.com/images/rad_clamp_3_big.jpg

If you do a new thermostat, drill a 1/8" hole on the top side of the flanged piece (coolant has to touch the thermo flange in some spot, drill there). This will vent any trapped air in the block as you refill the system with coolant.

 

I have been out of town the last few days. Thanks for all the help.

Got an online shopping cart ready with the following items:

Radiator assembly
Bypass hose
Upper hose
Lower hose
Radiator cap
Thermostat
Water inlet gasket

Expected total: $286.53 (ouch)

Any more recommendations?

 

Thanks for all the help guys...I put the new radiator in a while ago and it was actually pretty easy. I'll get some pics and a little how-to up soon.


Thanks again,

Tacomaworld +1

 

I have the same problem with a crack in the top tank of my radiator, same spot too. How'd your swap out go? any How-to posted?

 

pressure test it

 

i have a radiator leak that looks exactly the same. havent located a crack yet. i will check it out tomorrow when its daylight.

did op ever post up a how to on the replacement?

 

Hey Jason,
Here is my post on radiator replacement. Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have questions.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...wheres-radiator-swap-thread-pics-1st-gen.html

 

Thanks iv seen your how too, it'll help alot thanks.

By the way how did you flush your system? That's what I'm trying to figure out how to do. I mean I know how to do it (kind of) but did you flush first with the old radiator on than replace or flush after with the new one on?

 

Never did post the "how to" but it's actually a pretty easy swap. I took pics if you need them...


Edit: just looked at the previously mentioned link...that's everything you need. I even used the same radiator.... Good luck!