"Dried coolant near water pump"

[xxaarraa]

So... I had my 08 V6 in the shop for a few things yesterday (diff fluid flush, greasing CV after lift, etc.) and when I picked it up, the mechanic mentioned "BTW, when I was underneath, I noticed some drops of dried coolant near your water pump, indicating it could be leaking" He said it wasn't a big deal, yet, and to keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir.

Couple of questions:

• My coolant level in the reservoir has been pretty stable. It has gone down from mid point between low and high to the low point, but over the last 15-20k miles. I haven't noticed any puddles or stains on the floor when its parked, though I will pay closer attention from now on. I understand gradual/minor drop is normal. True? (I have ordered OEM Toyota Pink fluid to top it off. )
• If the water pump is indeed leaking, is this likely to be covered by my Toyota certified extended warranty? Or is it a wear item?
• Unrelated - I had last changed the diff fluids at 60k myself and noticed the front diff to be the most dirty - had a little moisture and was slightly milky. I'm now at 80k and the mechanic who did it this time said the same - front was the worst, rear was dark but OK and t-case was pristine. Any idea why the front diff oil would be the one to show most wear, considering the breather for the front is high up in the engine bay? He drained, flushed it clean this time and refilled with Mobil 1, but I plan on a flush every 20k anyway.

 

[ADRay]

my water pump started leaking a little in fall of 2010, and I kept topping it off until February 2011 until it finally needed replacement.

I'd just keep an eye on it. As for the warranty I have no idea.

 

[sonerick]

So... I had my 08 V6 in the shop for a few things yesterday (diff fluid flush, greasing CV after lift, etc.) and when I picked it up, the mechanic mentioned "BTW, when I was underneath, I noticed some drops of dried coolant near your water pump, indicating it could be leaking" He said it wasn't a big deal, yet, and to keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir.

Couple of questions:

• My coolant level in the reservoir has been pretty stable. It has gone down from mid point between low and high to the low point, but over the last 15-20k miles. I haven't noticed any puddles or stains on the floor when its parked, though I will pay closer attention from now on. I understand gradual/minor drop is normal. True? (I have ordered OEM Toyota Pink fluid to top it off. )
• If the water pump is indeed leaking, is this likely to be covered by my Toyota certified extended warranty? Or is it a wear item?
• Unrelated - I had last changed the diff fluids at 60k myself and noticed the front diff to be the most dirty - had a little moisture and was slightly milky. I'm now at 80k and the mechanic who did it this time said the same - front was the worst, rear was dark but OK and t-case was pristine. Any idea why the front diff oil would be the one to show most wear, considering the breather for the front is high up in the engine bay? He drained, flushed it clean this time and refilled with Mobil 1, but I plan on a flush every 20k anyway.

I had to replaced my water pump around 90k. The leak was slow at first (high mark to low mark over 20-30k) but then became more pronounced. Generally, unless there is a head gasket problem or some sort of leak, the coolant level should not drop in the reservoir. Maybe a tiny bit over the course of a year or two, but what you are describing sounds like the beginning of the seals in the water pump starting to fail. When mine started to leak more heavily, I could see the pink staining on the front of the engine block just below the water pump, so I knew it was time. At this point, the level in the reservoir was dropping from max. to min. over the course of a month (1,500k or so).

FYI, you probably won't see any drip marks on the ground because of your skid plates (and the coolant generally dries on the hot engine block before it drips down that far). As far as warranty coverage goes, I have no idea.

Both times I flushed my diffs and tcase, the rear was the worst, the front was a close second, and the tcase was pretty clean. I generally run my truck in 4hi all year round, since I like how it handles over 2wd. For someone who does not use the 4hi as often, I would expect the front diff to be noticeably cleaner than the rear. Maybe you have the beginnings of a problem. I wouldn't worry about it though until it starts making noises or goes altogether. If you plan on changing your gear oil every 20k, save yourself some cash and just use regular gear oil--no point in going synthetic, the only benefit there is a longer service interval.

 

[xxaarraa]

I had to replaced my water pump around 90k. The leak was slow at first (high mark to low mark over 20-30k) but then became more pronounced. Generally, unless there is a head gasket problem or some sort of leak, the coolant level should not drop in the reservoir. Maybe a tiny bit over the course of a year or two, but what you are describing sounds like the beginning of the seals in the water pump starting to fail. When mine started to leak more heavily, I could see the pink staining on the front of the engine block just below the water pump, so I knew it was time. At this point, the level in the reservoir was dropping from max. to min. over the course of a month (1,500k or so).

FYI, you probably won't see any drip marks on the ground because of your skid plates (and the coolant generally dries on the hot engine block before it drips down that far). As far as warranty coverage goes, I have no idea.

Both times I flushed my diffs and tcase, the rear was the worst, the front was a close second, and the tcase was pretty clean. I generally run my truck in 4hi all year round, since I like how it handles over 2wd. For someone who does not use the 4hi as often, I would expect the front diff to be noticeably cleaner than the rear. Maybe you have the beginnings of a problem. I wouldn't worry about it though until it starts making noises or goes altogether. If you plan on changing your gear oil every 20k, save yourself some cash and just use regular gear oil--no point in going synthetic, the only benefit there is a longer service interval.

Good to know, thank you. High to low over 30k is no problem, that's 2 years of driving for me. But I will watch it closely expecting it to start going faster if the leak expands. I have also scheduled an appointment to drop it off at the Toyota dealer near me. I have a few minor issues I have been meaning for them to fix (TPMS sensor out, power window sticking etc.) and if they are willing to replace my water pump too under warranty, I'll take it

On the diffs, I do take it wheeling and consistently go through fairly large puddles/ponds, including one that was hood level. Not sure if that causes front to show degraded oil - would think not, since breather is supposed to be high up.

 

[Climb14er]

My water pump was replaced under extended warranty at 52K.

Way too early for a water pump to have been leaking.

First problem with the V8 4Runner... got it solved.

 

[xxaarraa]

My water pump was replaced under extended warranty at 52K.

Way too early for a water pump to have been leaking.

First problem with the V8 4Runner... got it solved.

Good to know they covered the water pump leak under warranty. Im at 81k, so I won't be surprised if they give me a hard time. But I will put up a fight and see what happens :becky:

 

[onemoreokie]

I have a 2007 V8 with 45,000 miles and it shows a bit of coolant seep at the water pump.
Somewhere there is a TSB that explains it as normal if reservoir level isn't dropping. I too was concerned and wanted it fixed before extended warranty ran out. The TSB eased my mind.

 

[onemoreokie]

http://www.napabeltshose.com/~/media/NAPA/Flyers/Toyota WP Inspection Bulletin 090111.ashx

 

[xxaarraa]

Wow, that is a good find on the TSB. Thanks for sharing that.

I will report back what Toyota says when I drop it off next week, but it's heartening to know some leakage is normal.

 

[toyotatech84]

V6 certified warranty is power train. Toyota should not give you a problem. Just make sure you tell your advisor of abnormal "sweet burning" smell. That's what I say to get them covered.

 

[Robs08Runner]

I read somewhere that a little weeping is the system purging trash and is normal. If ya have just a bit of coolant residue, would like to recommend a flush before a water pump job if you're out of warranty.

 

[xxaarraa]

V6 certified warranty is power train. Toyota should not give you a problem. Just make sure you tell your advisor of abnormal "sweet burning" smell. That's what I say to get them covered.

Very good tip, thanks! "coolant level dropping fast and distinct sweet burning smell" is what I will say over and over to the service advisor :laugh:

 

[xxaarraa]

Hey guys,

Dropped off car at the Toyota dealer this morning. Service advisor seemed pretty easy to work with and was almost certain they were going to replace the water pump under warranty. He recommended doing the belt(s) at the same time and said that would not be covered - quoted me like $200 or so.

I'd be happy to pay for it if they are going to go down there to do it and labor is covered by water pump. But I have a V6 and not sure what he meant by belts as I don't have a timing belt. He's going to call back to confirm after the tech looks at it, but anyone have an idea?

 

[sonerick]

Good to know they will be covering the pump.

FYI, you could save yourself some money by doing the belt yourself. Belt should run about $30-$40 from NAPA (I think the genuine Toyota one is about $80), and the install is very easy. $200 is a little bit steep, especially if the labor is really covered by the water pump as you said.

To change the belt, all you do is release the tensioner by turning the pulley bolt counter-clockwise and inserting a hex key into a little slot to keep it in place. Then remove the old one and put on the new one. Routing the belt is pretty straightforward too, since it really only fits on one way.

 

[DiskDoctr]

Many vehicles have a sticker under the hood somewhere showing the belt routing. Take a pic of it before removing. The V8 has a line clearance near the bottom driver's side that is very close and onlynclears once the belt is completely installed and tensioned.

It may not be obvious (not sure on V6), a pic and/or diagram can be helpful.

 

[xxaarraa]

OK guys, it's all done. Wanted to share that Toyota covered the water pump and coolant flush for free (no hassle at all), drive belt did not show wear so they did not replace it.

Anyone with an extended warranty - you should be able to get your water pump covered, just keep an eye on it if you are getting up there on the miles!

 

[netwon]

115km on the odometer red straining getting worse. Leak was found by Toyota dealer while performing other service. Based on my reservoir top up it it started about a year ago (100km odo).