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Radiator Reservoir found empty (138k miles)
Hi everyone,
I have a 2005 4th gen V6 4runner with 138k miles. I got a synthetic oil change at dealer and they let me know that the radiator reservoir for the coolant was empty. They filled it up and told me the radiator needs to be replaced. Quoted at $591 which doesnt seem terrible but you all might know better. What Im wondering is if the dealer is trying to rob me by saying the radiator needs to be replaced, and then coming out later saying the hoses need to be replaced as well after the fact. How can I check to see if the reservoir is empty again to see how fast/slow this leak is? Thank you, Lolaya |
It's very easy to check the radiator/coolant reservoir. Behind the radiator on the passenger side is a white, semi-transparent plastic container. That is the reservoir. It has a black tube coming out from the top that goes to the top of the radiator. Looking at the side of the reservoir, you will see marks showing the fill levels. The coolant is a red color and can easily be seen. If you cannot see any coolant, then it's empty.
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I'd verify the leaky radiator first. You'll be able to see pink fluid or crust at the site of the leak. You can also ask the shop that diagnosed it to point out the leaky part.
Your fluid either leaked out, boiled out during an overheating event, went into the transmission, or went into a cylinder through a faulty head gasket. Hope that it's a leaky radiator or hose. |
stay away from the dealership unless your vehicle is under warranty! they charge a lot more for any service than a reputable mechanic/shop will charge. find a local shop to diagnose the radiator/hoses, ask friends or family where they go or pick a bigger name shop like goodyear or midas etc.
the radiator itself is a $100 part & takes all of about 1-2 hours to change out, no way does it cost $600 to change a radiator. as mentioned, just monitor the overfill reservoir, its easy to see the fluid level. & look under the vehicle to see if you see any wet spots or drops on the ground. |
You should see something like this on the radiator. You can buy a denso radiator for $100 shipped from rockauto.com and some new radiator hoses for around $25/pair. Coolant will be about $25 gallon and you need 3 gallons. For $200 you can do it yourself and save $400.
https://www.my.is/attachments/94877a...daabe87abbc690 |
My dealer told me I needed a radiator 4 years ago. Still have same radiator and NO problems. Do some checks as advised here and then decide.
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Go to a local parts store and rent a radiator pressure tester and run a pressure test on the radiator. Pump it to about 15psi and see if you have any loss of pressure. If it can maintain pressure for 5-10 minutes I'd say you're good.
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Thanks man. I checked yesterday when engine was cold and it was full. So now I know its not a large leak if any continuous leak at all. Should I now wait to see the level when its hot? Im a little worried it could be my head gasket. Any other warning signs for head gasket since I know this 4runner can have issues with that eventually. |
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Im pretty sure I didnt have an overheating event because I am always looking at my temperature gauge and have never noticed any vapor/smoke coming from front. Any other signs for overheating/faulty head gasket? |
OEM radiator takes an hour to install and costs $100.
Don't let your SR5 overheat. Is it leaking? Can you see coolant on the ground? Amazon.com: Denso 221-3117 Radiator: Automotive My 2005 4runner with 150,000 miles has never had a coolant or radiator or overheat issue - even once in 15 years. |
There are other places besides the radiator or hose that could be the source of a coolant leak. My '04 4runner developed leaks at the outlet gasket behind the thermostat. Look around behind the thermostat housing for any tell tale signs of a reddish crusty build up.
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Be sure to check the radiator cap as well. Mine was losing a small amount of coolant and I couldn't find it. Checked and the rubber was worn on the cap. New cap - problem gone. (Make sure the engine's cool when you remove the cap)
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I'd watch for all the classic warning signs and symptoms for head gasket. I had two sources of coolant leak on mine. The water pump and some pin holes in the radiator. |
This bad radiator cap happened to my son as well a few of years ago. 1997 Camry losing coolant and overheating. I towed him in for a repair. Mechanic replaced radiator cap and car has been running great ever since. I now replace radiator caps on my cars when they are 10 years old. Cheap insurance at less than $10.
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