02-17-2024, 03:49 PM
|
#1
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
Leaking Coolant
Hi All,
I parked my 2004 4Runner limited in winters and I saw when the temp dropped to -45C and below, I saw a puddle of coolant underneath the 4Runner.
What could have caused this and what should I look for?
Thanks
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-18-2024, 09:37 PM
|
#2
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: illinois
Posts: 1,618
Real Name: Ron
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: illinois
Posts: 1,618
Real Name: Ron
|
Get underneath the 4runner if necessary and see if you can trace where the leak is originating and look from top as well. could be from a hose clamp, could be water pump, freeze plug, radiator, could be several things, you will have to do some initial troubleshooting of your own and try and pinpoint.
__________________
2003 Limited, V8, AWD. K&N, Dobinson IMS/FJ springs,, SPC UCA, Super Pro bushings in front LCA and in all rear control arms, Michelin 265/65R17 LTX/Defenders, stock wheels with homemade center caps, Stop Tech slotted rotors w/Posi Quiet pads all around, spare tire relocated to inside cargo area.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-19-2024, 01:57 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 1,547
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 1,547
|
-45*C??? Man.. you need to move...
for your particular case it's hard to say without some visual inspection from under the rig.. where exactly was your coolant under the rig?
I currently have a leak (not likely at all to be the same as yours) that's coming from around the thermostat housing under the throttle body but is making its way down the engine block and drips behind around the transmission bellhousing. Took a bit to track down .. so a visual is a good starting point .. find out where first, the Why doesn't really matter.. though it could very possibly have something to do with the severe cold.
__________________
2003 Limited V8 4runner - 37's, Tacoma Front End swap, ARB locked front and rear , LC200 rack swap
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-19-2024, 05:54 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 4,655
Real Name: Skip
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 4,655
Real Name: Skip
|
When it gets cold, especially that cold metal will shrink, if any bolts are not torqued properly or have gotten a little loose you will get some leaks, the leaks may stop once it get warmer.
__________________
2004 Limited V8
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-19-2024, 07:09 PM
|
#5
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Stuttgart
Age: 40
Posts: 43
Real Name: Lukas Weber
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Stuttgart
Age: 40
Posts: 43
Real Name: Lukas Weber
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tuborg_15
Hi All,
I parked my 2004 4Runner limited in winters and I saw when the temp dropped to -45C and below, I saw a puddle of coolant underneath the 4Runner.
What could have caused this and what should I look for?
Thanks
|
I'd suggest checking the radiator, hoses, and connections for any visible signs of damage or cracks. Also, take a look at the water pump and thermostat housing. Cold temperatures can sometimes exacerbate existing issues.
And make sure your coolant mixture is suitable for such low temperatures and at the right level.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-25-2024, 04:19 PM
|
#6
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
Thanks for your replies. It's going to snow this week and will be cold. Next week is gonna be better. I will look under the hood and under the engine if I see any signs of the leak. Last year I noticed when I start the 4runner in winters it would spill some coolant and will be fine after it starts running. Not in summer though. Hopefully I find a leak and it's not a major issue.
Also Should I add some coolant before trying to start my 4Runner? I see some coolant in the reservoir but when I popped the coolant cap didn't see anything in there.
Also, I will take some pictures and post here for you guys to get a better idea.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-25-2024, 04:21 PM
|
#7
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by aemravan
-45*C??? Man.. you need to move...
|
lol , actually it went down to -60C at night!
I need to move south for sure..
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
02-26-2024, 04:47 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 1,190
Real Name: Mike
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 1,190
Real Name: Mike
|
I would keep it topped off. You can also remove the wide plastic cover on top of the radiator. This will allow you to look for leakage on the radiator itself. Maybe you have a weak spring hose clamp or seal within the radiator sections that leaks in extreme cold.
__________________
Mike
03 4runner Limited
1GR-FE V6 w/199k miles
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
03-07-2024, 03:18 PM
|
#9
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
Last edited by tuborg_15; 03-07-2024 at 03:28 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
03-07-2024, 04:04 PM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 1,190
Real Name: Mike
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 1,190
Real Name: Mike
|
That's pretty far back but it may be running down the skid plate. You'll have to check that somehow. I think one of the motors, V8 maybe, can leak that far back from under the intake manifold. There's a line with an o-ring that can fail if I remember correctly. You could also check your heater core hoses but you would think that would show on the other side. If you can take that plate off easily, I would do that so you can see if it moves.
Here's a couple threads I found on leaks farther back.
2004 V8 coolant leak near back of motor randomly
Leaking coolant throttle body 4.7L 4Runner
V8 Engine Leak
__________________
Mike
03 4runner Limited
1GR-FE V6 w/199k miles
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
03-07-2024, 10:04 PM
|
#11
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 75
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeinNH67
That's pretty far back but it may be running down the skid plate. You'll have to check that somehow. I think one of the motors, V8 maybe, can leak that far back from under the intake manifold. There's a line with an o-ring that can fail if I remember correctly. You could also check your heater core hoses but you would think that would show on the other side. If you can take that plate off easily, I would do that so you can see if it moves.
Here's a couple threads I found on leaks farther back.
2004 V8 coolant leak near back of motor randomly
Leaking coolant throttle body 4.7L 4Runner
V8 Engine Leak
|
Damn, It looks like a serious matter. It's gonna warm up this week. I'll try to pin point the leak and get back. Hope It's not as bad as it looks.
Thank you for the links. I would have never imagined this might be the cause as well..
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|