Coolant Leak

[14Runner 4u2c]

Hello everyone... I'm a newbie... Just got my 1997 4 Runner today!
I have a problem though... I have coolant boiling out of the reserve tank... It's as if the radiator is getting really hot and pushing it into the plastic tank through the rubber hose and filling the plastic tank full and my coolant is pouring out!
I have to add coolant...
Please help guys! I love this truck and paid $5000 for it and would hate to loose the engine! Oh yea! The engine seems to run great!

 

[98OzarksRunner]

The first thing to check is the radiator cap. If it is bad that will probably happen. Worst-case scenario is a bad head gasket. I'd go to an auto parts store (O'Reilly if they have one there) and borrow a coolant system pressure tester kit. It goes on the radiator like the radiator cap, you pump it up to 20 lbs pressure or so, and see if it holds. If it doesn't hold pressure, you probably have a bad head gasket. I'd try the radiator cap first since it's cheap (though the pressure tester kit will also test the radiator cap). Good luck!

 

[calimobber]

also what the coolant temp look like when driving around?

 

[14Runner 4u2c]

I bought a new radiator cap and that didn't work. As far as daily driving... as long as I don't use the AC it doesn't overheat. Although I haven't drove the truck hundreds of miles to see if it does eventually overheat.Although I haven't drove the truck hundred miles or so to see if it would eventually.

 

[Squirt]

make sure you check the fan clutch to assure that it is working. if its not kicking in when it should, it's getting no assist in cooling especially when the AC is on.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Is the oil like cream of mushroom soup?

Is there exhaust that looks like a jet engine coming out the tailpipe?

X2 Checking the fan, the engine should never overheat, if it has happened or previous owner drove it overheated, it can warp the heads.

 

[3bears]

agree.. how does the oil look.
Is....what there is of the cooling system liquid, look copper color or silver ( if not above mentioned milkshake color) and not pink ( Toyota fac color) or green ( prestone etc) then its most likely been hit with block sealer.
if mine .pressure test the cooling system, but don't over pressure it. As well as a compression test or leak down test.
sadly..if you just bought this car and hardly driven it, good chance the past owner/dealer knew it.(the problem)
im sure you bought it as is where is and they have cashed your check
but Ill think positive thoughts for you,,,,thermostat, water pump, fan clutch , and it has not been overheated

 

[DW4RUNR]

Plugged radiator??