How to find a coolant leak?

[M1911]

I had the Toyota dealer replace the frame on my '03 V8 4Runner. I also had them replace the timing belt and water pump at the same time. Recently I've started to intermittently smell hot coolant, and the coolant level is dropping.

I took the 4Runner back to the dealer, but he couldn't find anything.

Any suggestions about how to find the leak?

 

[M1911]

Anyone?

 

[loner]

No great wisdom, other than the thought that it very well could be your new water pump. There's also a step when replacing the water pump where the mechanic needs to create a seal using FIPG (Form In Place Gasket) - AKA silicone. Could be a leak there, especially if driven before the gasket cured. Either possibility would probably be leaking behind the timing cover and evaporating off the hot engine before dripping to the ground.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

It is possible the issue is related to the water pump replacement. The inlet of the water pump where the thermostat bolts too has a portion that needs FIPG to be applied.

But first I would rule out obvious issues like the radiator cap, hoses, and extra coolant that was spilled and not properly cleaned off when the job was done (the level could be dropping due to poor bleeding of the system, a common occurrence.) If you can't see any obvious signs of leakage and/or want try the following first; I would hose down the engine from the top and underneath if you can with a water hose and top off the coolant level with distilled water for now. If you really want to be a bit crafty, after letting the engine dry a bit you can try and puff something like talc powder on the front of the engine and the bottom of the timing cover to see if it collects coolant.

 

[M1911]

Unfortunately, I can't hose off the engine. My garage is too small to get the 4Runner inside and it is about 0 degrees outside. But thanks for the suggestions.

Where is the water pump on the V8 engine?

I don't think this is due to spilled coolant. The timing belt and water pump were completed just before the first of the year. So it is more than 30 days since then. As a result, I believe that there is an active coolant leak that is hitting something hot, and as a result I'm smelling the hot coolant.

 

[jdigitty]

Coolant Pressure Tester.


CST/Cooling system tester adapter 9300 at AutoZone.com - 2 reviews

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CfIo9niyXQ