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Coolant leak, new to 4Runners, looking for help

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by IdahoSR5, Jun 19, 2023.

  1. Jun 19, 2023 at 10:17 AM
    #1
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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    Hi everyone. I've had this 4runner for a few years now, and have just had my first issue pop up. I'm leaking coolant from somewhere low on the engine, drivers side front. I'm unsure exactly where it's coming from and what the possibility of me getting to it and fixing it in my driveway is. Oil doesn't have any coolant in it, coolant leaking is oil free as well. IMG_5423.jpg
     
  2. Jun 19, 2023 at 10:17 AM
    #2
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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    I'll get some more photos today
     
  3. Jun 19, 2023 at 10:21 AM
    #3
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    Coolant normally turns white after it dries. You would have dried coolant coming from directly above if it was leaking from your thermostat housing.

    You should touch that particular area with your finger or paper towel and figure out what it is; looking at it is only half the picture. Should smell it too.

    Should also always snap a picture of the engine bay in its entirety just in case we can spot something for you.
     
  4. Jun 19, 2023 at 11:49 AM
    #4
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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  5. Jun 19, 2023 at 11:50 AM
    #5
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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  6. Jun 19, 2023 at 11:56 AM
    #6
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the response, appreciate it. The liquid leaking is definitely coolant, with no oil or any other fluids mixed in. A little more backstory: Two weeks ago my 4runner overheated while driving. No steam/smoke/easily visible fluid leak. After it cooled down, I found that the radiator was basically empty. Filled coolant, changed the oil, found no coolant in the oil. Found this leak, which drops coolant while running and while parked. Thanks again
     
  7. Jun 19, 2023 at 1:05 PM
    #7
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    Your radiator looks new, same with your cap.

    Did you replace those as well recently? I would've replaced the thermostat as well since it's done at the same time. You would spot a leak there if you had one with the thermostat housing off which is right above where you state your leak is.
     
  8. Jun 19, 2023 at 1:18 PM
    #8
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    It’s been in an accident?
     
  9. Jun 19, 2023 at 1:26 PM
    #9
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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    Haven't replaced the radiator or cap myself, or in the 3.5 years since I purchased the vehicle. As far as I know it hans't been in an accident, I bought it from a friend who was the second owner, he had it for around 8 years.
     
  10. Jun 19, 2023 at 1:30 PM
    #10
    CygnusX-4

    CygnusX-4 Member

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    Looks like the water pump is leaking.
     
    ChessGuy likes this.
  11. Jun 19, 2023 at 1:58 PM
    #11
    ChessGuy

    ChessGuy New Member

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    Too many..... Performance: • Magnusum Supercharger • Gibson exhaust with dual black tip • Pedal Commander * PowerBrakes • Suspension – Old Man Emu BP-51 front and back with Medium load coils • Tires: AT3 Faulken Wildpeak – 285/70/17 • Wheels: Relations Race Wheels, RR7-H with -12 offset • Full roof rack and ladder by Westcott Design (removed the stock Yakima basket) • Molle storage panels by Rago fabrication • Front light brackets by Rago • Illuminator light bracket by Rago (roof rack location) Lights • Morimoto front and back with sequential signals • Morimoto fog lights and side mirrors with sequential signals • 40” Baja design light bar for roof rack • 20” S8 Baja design driving combo (winch location) • Squadron sport baja design ditch lights • S2 Chase lights by baja designs (mounted on roof) In the bay: • Odyssey 34-PC Battery • SDQH Aluminum billet battery terminals and bracket • Switch Pro 9100 with aluminum tray • Anytime front and back camera • ARB twin compressor Recovery & Protection: • Smittybilt X20 synthetic rope winch • Factor 55 fairlead and flatlink • Southern Style Off-road (SSO) low profile bumper • SSO stage 2 high clearance wings • Weekend warrior recovery kit by treaty oak • RCI – skid plates – entire vehicle + catalytic converter protection wings Interior: • Nano Ceramic IR – Avery Dennison Window tint – all windows • Several phone mounts • Upgraded Rear Hatch lift gate struts (ladder is heavy) • Boom blaster horn switch (featuring La cucaracha)
    That's what I was going to say until I read this. Maybe....a hose has a little Crack here and there but if not it is the water pump.
     
    CygnusX-4[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Jun 19, 2023 at 5:31 PM
    #12
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks everyone, I'll post when I figure out more, hopefully soon
     
  13. Jun 19, 2023 at 8:11 PM
    #13
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Just do a T-Belt replacement. You'll find the issue. I'm guessing the T-Belt hasn't been done in a while and probably the waterpump too.
     
  14. Sep 18, 2023 at 10:27 PM
    #14
    IdahoSR5

    IdahoSR5 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the input, it turned out to be water pump. Good opportunity to do timing belt, so wasn’t too bad. Thanks again
     

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