Leaking Coolant

[JRR]

Bought my '93 4runner few months ago and I'm pretty new to cars. I knew when I bought it that the cooling system was leaking coolant but didn't know where. I would like to fix this problem so I can take her out more than I have been. How do I go about checking where the leak is? All I know is that the engine block and other parts on the passenger's side are wetter than the driver's side so I'm inclined to think it's over there.

 

[ToyoTech]

is it a 3.0 v6?

if it is pissing out. you can open the cap up, start the truck up. fill the coolant system with water and see where its coming out from. i dont think theres any coolant lines on the passenger side. the 3.0 v6 are known for blown headgaskets

 

[JRR]

Yeah, it's a 3.0 V6
Can I just put some water in or do I need to do anything before that?

 

[hoe_nah]

How bad is the leak? Wash down the motor as much as possible, fill up with coolant run with Hood open and inspect for leaks. How does the current coolant look? Milkshake?

 

[KidVermicious]

Yeah, it's a 3.0 V6
Can I just put some water in or do I need to do anything before that?

Yes, you can put water in. But first, I'd drain the existing coolant and do as hoenah suggested, see if there's any oil in it. And look for thick white goo on the bottom of your oil cap. Those are both common signs of headgasket failure.

Failing that, scrub your engine compartment down real good, let it dry, and then run the engine and watch for leaks.

 

[combatmedic]

Yes, you can put water in. But first, I'd drain the existing coolant and do as hoenah suggested, see if there's any oil in it. And look for thick white goo on the bottom of your oil cap. Those are both common signs of headgasket failure.

Failing that, scrub your engine compartment down real good, let it dry, and then run the engine and watch for leaks.

With that being said, don't drive it until you know for sure what's going on. Driving with a bad HG is a NO NO.


The HG is a barrier to keep the oil/coolant from mixing together. When it fails, coolant gets in the oil, and oil gets in the coolant. It's pretty nasty.

 

[JRR]

No white goo under the oil cap but the coolant reservoir looks like mud. I'll wash everything down and see how it goes. Thanks guys.