Hi, been reading a bunch of info threads from this forum...figured it was time to join. Recently picked up a 97 with 140k on it. Love the truck...but it needs some tlc. Got it for a song but some of the maint history is unknown. Im sure this has been gone over but i couldnt seem to quite find my answer looking over various threads from different forums. Here is the issue....truck runs great...after it warms up when idling and goes down to low idle its starts to make a noise like a bad lifter or diesel engine. Its not metallic like piston slap or rod knock. Give it a little gas it goes away. Thing runs great. This noise is only at low idle..you hear it a stop signs and such. Now combined with this, when the motor is warm and you open the hood...you can smell coolant...no leaks...no puddles underneath...no overheating....no visible or noticeable coolant loss...no steam....hoses are new. Is this the waterpump? PO told me the timing belt waterpump service was done but i think it was BS. I dont think he really knew. This is going to be my cabin runner/fishin boat truck so ill be going through it with a fine tooth comb. Sorry for the long post
97 SR5 waterpump ?
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19963.4lsr5
New member
I would get a cheep mechanical oil pressure gauge and check what pressure you have at idle. Also there is s tester you can buy (mine is from napa) or rent at autoparts stores that test for combustion gasses in the coolant. You need to do both and make sure you didn't purchase a overheated engine with a almost blown engine.
He may have been playing dumb.
He may have been playing dumb.
Well, supposed it wouldnt hurt to rule out anything. But cylinder compression checks out, clean oil, clean coolant, clean exhaust, runs well. As far as coolant smell goes it must be a very tiny leak, i can see no coolant loss in res tank since ive owned it..but thats only about 4-500 miles of driving.But what the heck...might as well rule it out..ill try the kit. Thanks Todd
19963.4lsr5
New member
People sell vehicles for reasons that usually cost the next owner money.
krenaud33
New member
I would do the coolant system gas combustion test first with a test from O'Reillys or wherever you can find that will rent you one. Might try pulling the timing belt cover to see if the belt does in fact look good. You should be able to see the water pump and see how it looks as well.
