Coolant Leak 2004 V8

[Zona Cat]

I have been reading this forum since I purchased my 4Runner in early 2012. Its a great forum and I have come here to learn anything and everything about my T4R.

I have a coolant leak. I know where it is and what needs to be replaced. Its leaking from the place where the thermostat housing goes into the block. However I have had trouble finding the proper gasket or o-ring. Thats where you guys come in! If anyone knows where I can get this part and what its called. Please let me know! Thank you.

 

[stevec5000]

I have a coolant leak. I know where it is and what needs to be replaced. Its leaking from the place where the thermostat housing goes into the block. However I have had trouble finding the proper gasket or o-ring. Thats where you guys come in! If anyone knows where I can get this part and what its called. Please let me know! Thank you.

I don't know if the dealer sells O-rings but I would try them first and if they don't have any get an O-ring kit from Harbor Freight that has a lot of different sizes in it. The kit probably has one that will fit.

 

[Nelsontacoma]

Just build your vehicle. Go to cooling system and find the thermostat housing water outlet gasket item in the list and your there!

RockAuto Parts Catalog

2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.7L V8 : Cooling System : Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet Gasket

 

[BlackWorksInc]

RING, O(FOR WATER INLET HOUSING); RING, O(FOR WATER INLET). 2004 TOYOTA 4Runner 4700CC 32-VALVE DOHC EFI, AUTOMATIC 5-SPEED # 9676135035

I would also pick up a tube of FIPG to seal the square section once you remove it.
Have you done the timing belt on this vehicle yet? If not, I would go ahead and do the water pump and T-belt since you're going to have to remove that part to get to them anyways (also if its leaking there, chances are the pump is leaking a bit also.)

 

[Zona Cat]

Thanks guys. I replaced the timing belt and water about 10,000 miles ago.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Okay then, just FIPG the square flange and install a new O-ring. Kind of odd that its leaking only 10k later. Did you seat the housing properly? They can be a bit of a pain sometimes.

 

[Zona Cat]

Okay then, just FIPG the square flange and install a new O-ring. Kind of odd that its leaking only 10k later. Did you seat the housing properly? They can be a bit of a pain sometimes.

The dealership did it. Would this be something I should call them on and say they did a shoddy job?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Hmm, I wouldn't say "shoddy job" there are a bunch of reasons it could be leaking and many aren't even the tech's fault.

I'd just call them back and be like, "hey I had my belt done 10k ago by your dealership and I've noticed that it is leaking from this component that was removed during the timing belt service. I'm not sure if its due to a faulty part or improper installation." They should be more friendly to help you out and cover their work. If they get more picky and/or become a pain in the ass about it, then I'd start calling them on it.

 

[Zona Cat]

Hmm, I wouldn't say "shoddy job" there are a bunch of reasons it could be leaking and many aren't even the tech's fault.

I'd just call them back and be like, "hey I had my belt done 10k ago by your dealership and I've noticed that it is leaking from this component that was removed during the timing belt service. I'm not sure if its due to a faulty part or improper installation." They should be more friendly to help you out and cover their work. If they get more picky and/or become a pain in the ass about it, then I'd start calling them on it.

Thanks for the advice! Took it to the dealership and it was under the timing belt and water pump installation warranty. They're replacing the O-ring and thats that. Much appreciated!