My coolant level drops below the L line. The last time I checked it was last week.
I saw smoke from the exhaust about 3wks ago, and I just disregard it, as my 4runner is parked outside and the temp at that time was 40 degrees overnight. Now, everytime I start, smoke and steam is coming out from the exhaust and will disappear after 2 miles.
Here is a video taken 3weeks ago from the exhaust. Its smoke and steam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov7-WhTz8i8
I have no idea where the coolant go. How is the coolant allowed into the combustion chamber?
Please leave comments, I can't login for a week..THANKS!!
My coolant level drops below the L line. The last time I checked it was last week.
I saw smoke from the exhaust about 3wks ago, and I just disregard it, as my 4runner is parked outside and the temp at that time was 40 degrees overnight. Now, everytime I start, smoke and steam is coming out from the exhaust and will disappear after 2 miles.
Here is a video taken 3weeks ago from the exhaust. Its smoke and steam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov7-WhTz8i8
I have no idea where the coolant go. How is the coolant allowed into the combustion chamber?
Please leave comments, I can't login for a week..THANKS!!
The smoke may be normal exhaust condensation. How long has it been since the coolant res was topped up? It is normal for some evaporation to occur.
Does the exhaust smell sweet?
If the engine were consuming antifreeze the most likely cause is the head gasket. Coolant passages go to and from the block to the head. When the gasket leaks it gets into the cylinder right there. Good luck, I hope it's nothing.
The smoke may be normal exhaust condensation. How long has it been since the coolant res was topped up? It is normal for some evaporation to occur.
Does the exhaust smell sweet?
If the engine were consuming antifreeze the most likely cause is the head gasket. Coolant passages go to and from the block to the head. When the gasket leaks it gets into the cylinder right there. Good luck, I hope it's nothing.
I didn't smell something unusual, like sweet smell.
The coolant was topped up 9 mos ago. And during my last oil change, the shop checked fluid levels including the coolant and noted the level to be normal. I did checked it last Nov 21 before a long drive, it was slightly above L, now its 1.5 inch below the L line. So I am a worried if the sinking coolant level is connected with the smoke in the tail pipe, although we can assume it as normal condensation..I'll have my friend(mechanic) check the gaskets as well. Yes, I hope its nothing..as my budget will go to gifts for my kids..LOL!
I didn't smell something unusual, like sweet smell.
The coolant was topped up 9 mos ago. And during my last oil change, the shop checked fluid levels including the coolant and noted the level to be normal. I did checked it last Nov 21 before a long drive, it was slightly above L, now its 1.5 inch below the L line. So I am a worried if the sinking coolant level is connected with the smoke in the tail pipe, although we can assume it as normal condensation..I'll have my friend(mechanic) check the gaskets as well. Yes, I hope its nothing..as my budget will go to gifts for my kids..LOL!
You're probably fine, the kids will have Christmas 9mos is a long time and to need a little is no big deal. The other thing is the level at 85F and 25F is noticably different on a cold (or warm) engine. My point is there's many variables and until you nail them down it's hard to know if your 'using' fluid.
I was about to buy a gallon of the pink longlife coolant, when the guy at the parts dept run my name in their computer and found out that I am a comebacking customer(bought battery, OEM fog, wiper blades mats in that same dealer), he decided to fill it for free...save me $27, he said I don't need a gallon unless I'll flush the system. That apprentice from the service dept brought a Red Coolant and when he saw that its a 4runner he returned the Red and fill my Runner with the pink one...Now, is there a difference in chemistry between the Red and Pink Coolant? I'll do my research after work LOL!
I was about to buy a gallon of the pink longlife coolant, when the guy at the parts dept run my name in their computer and found out that I am a comebacking customer(bought battery, OEM fog, wiper blades mats in that same dealer), he decided to fill it for free...save me $27, he said I don't need a gallon unless I'll flush the system. That apprentice from the service dept brought a Red Coolant and when he saw that its a 4runner he returned the Red and fill my Runner with the pink one...Now, is there a difference in chemistry between the Red and Pink Coolant? I'll do my research after work LOL!
Yes, there is a difference between the fluids. One is long-life and one is super long life (or something like that). IIRC one is pre-mixed the other isn't. If you mix the two no bigh deal you just need to change it out sooner.
I'll do my research after work LOL!
