Coolant leaked

[wickedmr2tur]

I have a 1998 sr5 4wd. I drove for about 40 miles and everything was going fine until I engaged 4wd and started climbing uphill. The uphill climb was no further than half a mile. My temperature gauge was normal. I got out of the car and grab my fishing gears. Next thing I noticed was a good amount of coolant on the ground. Open the hood checked the radiator and it looked fine but the overflow tank had coolant all around and under it. Left the car sitting for an hour and reatarted and drove off in 2wd. Pulled over a few miles down and double check to see if further coolant is leaking and everything was fine and normal.

What can be the cause of this? Could it be due to the fact the I engaged 4wd? I really don't know. Any professional wanna chime in and enlightened me on this. Thank you

 

[kball]

Was the reservoir full, half, empty? Is the hose from the rad cap to the reservoir connected and not leaking?

 

[etc.]

I'd say your fine. Its not a sealed system.

The excess coolant went to the reservoir, but had more coolant then it could handle, thus overflowing.

 

[wickedmr2tur]

Just checked the radiator cap and found that one of the rubber safety was somewhat damage. Drove to the nearest auto store and purchased a new radiator cap. Hopefully that will solve the issued. Won't really know until tomorrow. I'm just really hoping that it's not a blown head gasket from what I had been reading.

 

[Buckaroo]

Was going to suggest radiator cap.....I think you got it. Coolant temp/pressure was higher than normal due to exercising the engine, radiator cap was marginal/failed and relieved excessively at too low a pressure/temp. Very typical...

 

[wickedmr2tur]

Drove my car long and hard today and didn't see any leakage of coolant in sight. Good thing I didn't bring it to the dealership to get it check. Probably would've cost me a few hundred for a radiator cap. Haha