Cracked Block?

[earshel]

Hello all!

I've got a 2006 4Runner SR5 V6 with 330k on her.

I've been losing coolant slowly, and haven't been able to track down the source, but finally dug deep enough to find it tonight. Coolant is puddling up on the block behind the starter, in the location pictured.

There is no coolant leaking down from the head gasket or anything, so I believe that there is a crack or pinhole in the block right here. I removed the starter and cleaned off the area with brake cleaner, but still can't get a super clean view of it because of its location.

I've got a couple questions

Am I overlooking anything with this diagnosis?

If the block IS cracked, what's the best course of action? Is there anything that I can do to put a bandaid on the problem temporarily? Given that my engine has so many miles, I'll probably opt for a reman long block. Any recommendations as to which vendor has the best deal? I'm in Oregon if that matters.

Thanks for any input

Earshel

 

[rdruss]

Hello all!

I've got a 2006 4Runner SR5 V6 with 330k on her.

I've been losing coolant slowly, and haven't been able to track down the source, but finally dug deep enough to find it tonight. Coolant is puddling up on the block behind the starter, in the location pictured.

There is no coolant leaking down from the head gasket or anything, so I believe that there is a crack or pinhole in the block right here. I removed the starter and cleaned off the area with brake cleaner, but still can't get a super clean view of it because of its location.

I've got a couple questions


Am I overlooking anything with this diagnosis?

If the block IS cracked, what's the best course of action? Is there anything that I can do to put a bandaid on the problem temporarily? Given that my engine has so many miles, I'll probably opt for a reman long block. Any recommendations as to which vendor has the best deal? I'm in Oregon if that matters.

Thanks for any input

Earshel

Can't open your picture. I'm not a 4.7L block expert but hard to imagine a crack in that area that would get into the water jacket, but I could be wrong. With the starter removed maybe you can pressurize the cooling system and let it set for awhile and see what happens, if you get a visual confirmation somewhere.

 

[rdruss]

Ok, picture opened and I see you have the V6, so different animal. Still, pressurizing cooling system may be helpful.

 

[earshel]

Ok, picture opened and I see you have the V6, so different animal. Still, pressurizing cooling system may be helpful.

Hey rdruss - thanks for the response. It is indeed the V6, and the way that I was able to locate the coolant leak was by pressurizing the cooling system. It seems to be a very small leak, less than a half ounce of water during the entire time I had the system pressurized (probably an hour total?).

 

[rdruss]

Hey rdruss - thanks for the response. It is indeed the V6, and the way that I was able to locate the coolant leak was by pressurizing the cooling system. It seems to be a very small leak, less than a half ounce of water during the entire time I had the system pressurized (probably an hour total?).

If it's a pin-hole or just slightly larger you might be able to drill it out, tap it and plug it with 1/8" or 1/4" pipe plug.

 

[earshel]

If it's a pin-hole or just slightly larger you might be able to drill it out, tap it and plug it with 1/8" or 1/4" pipe plug.

That's a thought! I'll add it to my list of possible solutions. I appreciate the input.