Coolant Leak

[Bomba]

Hi all,

2018 4Runner OffRoad. About 70k miles (110 000 KM). I took it to a dealership for a tune and and oil change and the service team pointed out a leak. Pink crud around the waterpump. Diagnosis was a leaky water pump. $1950.

I looked into DIY, I'm slightly handy, and a OEM water pump is only $216.79, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

Upon further review- I think the leak is actually coming from the water inlet housing gasket.

Please give me your opinions: Just the gasket? Or if I'm in there and draining the coolant anyways should I also try: water pump/thermostat/serpentine belt? Anything else? Radiator cap?

Also please let me know if you know of any potential booby-traps or additional problems that might pop-up.

Finally Toyota Super Long Life Coolant seems to be only available from Dealers, and the dealers around me (Toronto, Canada) seem to park up parts A LOT. Please share if you have a local hook up.

 

[FJ4Runner2]

In my opinion, once the cooling system is opened, it’s best practice to replace all serviceable components. This includes the thermostat, serpentine belt, associated gaskets/O-rings, and the water pump if there is any noise, seepage, or unknown service history. I stopped using Toyota Red coolant some time ago and have been running Amsoil coolant with no issues, including on my supercharged FJ. I recently replaced the water pump on my FJ and found it to be straightforward, with the hardest challenge being the number of bolts the water pump has.

 

[Hungryhawk]

I too encourage everything servicable considering age and mile!
I use Toyota pink in my 2017. I remember the red is concentrated and requires distilled water blended properly-somebody please correct if that is inaccurate?
I drain and refill coolant early as its not costly. New advances in test strips allow a pH check so as to protect against head gasket corrosion.
Also I just drain radiator and do not mess with the engine block drain bolts. So its more like a major refresh than complete replacement.
My next refresh I plan to do complete servicable parts.

 

[rdruss]

At 70K miles I would fix what's broke and replace the coolant and serpentine belt. If can't completely drain the system run it for a couple of days after repair and then do a drain and fill on radiator at least once or twice, it's good corrosion protection.