I may have a BIG problem!

[gilli92]

ok so i went away to college and my 4runner sat idle in my driveway with my parents not listening to me and running it, so the battery died. recently i jumped it, and found something leaking from under the engine. Its coming out of the bottom left hose going to the radiator, and its green with some kinda oil in it!!! i think im rightfully scared.

ANY IDEAS GUYS?? im trying to fix it myself without going to a mechanic

 

[ticaz]

Check the oil on your dipstick, does it look normal?

Also, take the radiator cap off (make sure your motor is cool). See if you have oil mixed in your antifreeze.

A radiator hose leak is not really scary, but the fact you are mentioning what looks like oil in it may be something for more concern.

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

How much oil is in the fluid. I agree, check all fluids and see what they look like. Take a pickle jar or any clear jar and drain a little coolant into it (radiator petcock drain, super easy).

 

[KHoffRunner]

How long has it been since its been driven?

 

[1985taylor1925]

Why dont you post a picture of it. Alot of coolants are green so maybe it was changed at some point and thats what someone used. Coolant can have an oily look as well. Or maybe it mixed with something after it leaked out of the hose?

 

[4ever4running]

Why dont you post a picture of it. Alot of coolants are green so maybe it was changed at some point and thats what someone used. Coolant can have an oily look as well. Or maybe it mixed with something after it leaked out of the hose?

This is my guess too. It sounds like either you or the PO went from the red Toyota coolant to a green coolant without flusing out the radiator and the two fluids just mixed.

 

[KHoffRunner]

This is my guess too. It sounds like either you or the PO went from the red Toyota coolant to a green coolant without flusing out the radiator and the two fluids just mixed.

Yep when I bought my runner the PO had recently replaced the radiator and a couple weeks after we bought I looked into the overflow tank to see some mixed fluids. Me and my dad drained at it was all fine and I've never had any problems, it was probably either the change in fluid colors or some oils inside the new radiator to keep them from rusting.

 

[gilli92]

ok i am due for a coolant flush but im away from my 4runner now so i cant snag a pic, but trust me the green stuff if coolant and there is oil mixed with it. im just trying to see what my options are as far as repairs. like where the oil could be coming from

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Head gasket or cracked head. Not too many other ways oil and coolant will mix.

 

[Drcoffee]

It sounds like the PO may have been a POS and quickly sold you his truck after a strawberry milkshake. Look at the trans fluid. See if it is contaminated. At least once a week this comes up.

 

[gilli92]

ok guess the next step is to check fluids and now i got my work cut out for me, looks like my lift fund will take a hit on this one!!!:bash::violin: