Help Please. Radiator leak (Pics)

[bstone]

Hey guys. I am new to the forum, did a search and could not find anyone with this exact problem. I have included some pics, I apologize if they are out of the normal I tried to get what I could. Any help would be greatly appreciated as to what I may need to do here exactly. With that said here is what is going on:

I have a 02' SR5 and I have noticed a small slow leak from the bottom passenger side of the front of the radiator. Where I have also noticed a leak from is the part (first pic) that comes out of the front of the engine and into the bottom rad hose. What part is that? The pic may not be as clear as in person but it looks like it is a gasket or seal that is actually failing causing the leak from the "part I dont know".

the next few pics you can see where the rad is also leaking. It is a very very slow leak. I got the 4runner up to running temp crawled under and couldnt even see anything leaking, thats how slow it leaks. I have no problem replacing the rad, I just want to know the other part as well.

Any help is greatly appreciated, Thanks in advance.

 

[jeeper1]

My buddy had the same problem. We changed out the radiator and the thermostat and it was all good. Good for another 100k miles! We also inspected the hoses for any wear but they were still good so we didnt have to replace it. Its hard to tell in your photos but you might need to change the lower hose as well since you are already there. Good Luck!

 

[bstone]

Thanks. Anyone else? Looking to identify that part I spoke of...

 

[LittleCaesar]

Thermostat/thermostat housing. Koyo 1998 A is the radiator you want to use as a replacement. OEM thermostat and gasket.

After that, flush the cooling system, more than once. Use either Toyota OEM coolant or Zerex Asian coolant found at Napa and distilled water.

 

[bstone]

Thermostat/thermostat housing. Koyo 1998 A is the radiator you want to use as a replacement. OEM thermostat and gasket.

After that, flush the cooling system, more than once. Use either Toyota OEM coolant or Zerex Asian coolant found at Napa and distilled water.

Like a Boss! Thank you, I really appreciate the help.

 

[Qyota]

Like a Boss! Thank you, I really appreciate the help.

Make sure to replace the t-stat seal as well. And when you remove the housing, clean the mating surfaces well. Then re-assemble with the new parts, using a very light coating of coolant on the t-stat seal. This will help keep things from binding when you tighten the housing down.

 

[ALBPM]

Here's a good price for a KOYO radiator:

1996 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner KOYO Radiator A1998 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

 

[bstone]

I thought the Thermostat was on top connected to the upper hose of the Radiator? Maybe a little confused here?

 

[rjaudi]

Not on these engines. The thermostat is on the engine side of the lower radiator hose. Make sure your water pump isn't leaking.

 

[bstone]

Ordered a Koyo radiator today (Go-Parts), OEM Thermostat Housing, OEM Thermostat, and the Thermostat gasket.

Appreciate all the help!:hello:

 

[LittleCaesar]

Good deal. Don't forget about the flush and to use the right coolant.

If you have any problems, let us know.

Does you 4runner have an oil dipstick BTW? It is missing in the picture.

 

[Gerdo]

Make sure your water pump isn't leaking.

Great point. When the waterpump starts weeping, it can look a lot like that. Mine did but not as much. That is where it would show up too.

IF it is the waterpump, it is probably time to do the timing belt service since you have to remove the t-belts anyway.

PS. Where is your oil dipstick? I hope you removed it for the picture.

 

[bstone]

Good deal. Don't forget about the flush and to use the right coolant.

If you have any problems, let us know.

Does you 4runner have an oil dipstick BTW? It is missing in the picture.

HAHA, Yeah I took the dipstick out for the picture.

 

[bstone]

I dont know how many care but here is my UPDATE after the radiator replacement:

1. The Radiator was very simple and straightforward to replace and un-install/install. Koyo made a perfect replacement and if its as good as everyone says (which I think it is) I think everyone should do one if your current radiator is in question.

2. I replaced my thermostat housing along with the thermostat its self and gasket. My old housing didnt seem to be very much of an issue, at least visually. However the gasket and thermostat its self were worn and the gasket had corrosion around it. Making the seal faulty causing the leak. Anyway, I lightly lubed up the gasket and assembled the thermostat back into the housing the tighten things up. Also easy and straightforward to do.

3. Weird enough, finding the radiator compacity was probably the most difficult. Was not in my manuel and couldnt find it on the interwebz. So I proceeded to assume it was at least a gallon. Did the 50/50 mix, left the rad cap off started it turned the heater on and let it get warm. Sealed it up and everything seems to work just fine.

Overall, very easy and fun replacement job. The grill came out nice, contrary to how many people say its a pain in the ass, mine came out nicely. Also decided to touch up the black around the grill while it was out.

Thanks to all who helped with the information on the thread, really appreciate the help. Next is timing belt and water pump.

Thanks again.