Radiator leaking

Took my truck in last week for the fuel pump and third brake light TSB. Got a message saying they found maintenance items to take care of, which I knew had been coming as I just passed 60k miles. I declined them all but on the sheet they said they thought my heater core was leaking and the quote to fix that was $1800 plus another $300 to drain And refill the AC system.



When asked where the leak was or why it was suspected all I got was “well the tech found some residue and had to refill your coolant.

I had never smelled or found any coolant inside the truck before. I visually inspected the heater core (or as much as I could see without removing anything) and everything seemed alright inside the cabin as well as the engine bay firewall lines. I left the dealership and drove home. I later found some pink residue coming from the passenger side hole on the front skid plate, directly below the radiator. Removed the skid plate found more reside.



I chalked this up to the tech spilling coolant when they filled it as this is below the cap. Cleaned off all the residue and said I’d keep an eye on it. A day or so later I checked again and the residue is back. From what I can tell it’s leaking from between the plastic end tank and the core as I removed the fan shroud and looked everywhere else. It just seems pretty odd that all of a sudden after a dealer service theres a leak. I change my oil every 5k so I’m under here a decent amount and I have never seen a coolant leak.

 

Very fishy! Good thing you didn't fall into the trap!

 

Very well could be the end cap seal failed.
Radiators arent hard to replace though. Easy DIY job.

 

At 60k though? My stock radiator on my 1991 Nissan R32 Gtr lasted 25 years before I replaced it with an all aluminum one during some preventative maintenance. I kind of expected more from Toyota honestly.

 

May or may not be covered under the engine warranty then. Its 60k 5yrs.
Yea, sucks thought. Here's a better aftermarket version though, if this is your route. https://csfrace.com/toyota-truck-suv-cooling-systems/

 

Already ordered. Figured a bump in capacity and all aluminum would be a good upgrade anyway.

 

Well seeing at they wanted to charge you $499 to change fluids you can do with a hand tool and about 2 hours of your time if you're at a relaxed and leisure pace, I'd take it to a 3rd party.

 

DIY it and post a write up!!!

 

Definitely getting this upgrade soon next coolant flush

 

Off topic, but you got a R32 GTR! Pictures!

 

Or the $600 to change the spark plugs. I did that in about an hour and a half the other day.

 

Sadly she’s gone now but the memories remain.

It had a pretty bad fiberglass body kit when I bought it, sourced an oem bumper and nismo three piece side skirts, a much better look.


This was at the Nissan Heritage museum over in Japan.

Initial engine bay to just before I sold her.

 

Just a reminder that dealerships (not just Toyota dealers) use free TSB & recall work to "find" needed repairs or to "recommended" fluid flushes & maintenance packages.

Many times the repairs are not needed or at least not needed at that time but dealers being dealers.........................

Always best to thank them for bringing it to your attention and then go get a second opinion or investigate the situation yourself.

 

Be sure it's not something simple like the cap having failed.

 

Nah, cap is alright. Theres no reside above the bottom passenger corner to suggest it was coming from above.

 

$615 to change the spark plugs I would run as hard as I could away from that dealer !

 

Wow. This sounds familiar. On Oct. 18th I took my 2020 in for 10k mile service and everything seemed fine. The next day, there's pink coolant on my driveway. Seems like the leak was in a similar location as yours.

 

Rule #1: Don't take your vehicle to a dealership for service. You won't save any money, get better service, or gain any resale brownie points as your dad might have preached during Sunday dinner.

 

Run fast, run far. As far and as fast as you can...from this dealer.

What a quote

 

Took it there for free TSBs. I wouldn’t spend any actual money there