Help! Steam/Smoke and Radiator Fluid Everywhere!

[modelstudent101]

Pulling in to my driveway tonight my engine started to make a high pitched whine. I parked and got out of the car and noticed that steam/smoke was pouring out of the front of the hood and what I though was water was pouring out from the bottom. I let the engine cool and took a flashlight to it; there was bright green fluid everywhere and the coolant fluid reservoir was empty. I haven't had overheating problems in the past and my car was just in the shop about a month ago so I hadn't bothered to check the levels. If you're facing the engine' most of the coolant is leaking from the left hand side. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Edit: I just opened my radiator cap and there was nothing in there. I poured in coolant and heard it pouring out. I looked at the radiator and coolant was literally shooting out, about an inch down from the top, over on the passenger side. No froth in the oil, no pink sludge in the reservoir and the transmission dipstick looks clear. Also forgot to mention it's an auto. I'm guessing it's time for a new radiator?

1999 4Runner LTD
3.4L V6 with original radiator
127k mi just purchased in Oct with 124k mi, water pump and timing belt replaced in Oct, drive belts replaced 1mo ago

 

[thebrandon]

Check that the hoses are connected and not damaged, check for cracks in the radiator. It can happen, even with your low miles. If there is water coming out from right under the cap you probably nailed it on the head with it's time for a new radiator. The fill neck can crack sometimes, which it sounds like you were describing.

 

[Frontier719]

Sometimes they crack with age. Mine developed a crack on the bottom and I have a very slow leak now. I picked up a new radiator and some fluids so hopefully I can swap it out this weekend.

 

[modelstudent101]

Crazy... I lucked out and found a local spot that sells KOYO's for $119 that I can pick up today (KOYORAD of CA gave me their number). They don't sell online unless you have an access code for some reason... big distributor in the LA area I guess. Gonna go pick up some OEM Long Life Coolant... dealership tried to charge me $52 for a gallon but they pricematched at $30 :crazy: so away I go! Gonna flush out the old green and get a new radiator cap/thermostat as well. Next step, transmission cooler... thank heavens I didn't get a (green) milkshake.

 

[HammerHead]

As long as the fluid is not in your transmission. I replaced mine with a Koyo and no problems.