Leaking Coolant

[tuborg_15]

Hi All,
I parked my 2004 4Runner limited in winters and I saw when the temp dropped to -45C and below, I saw a puddle of coolant underneath the 4Runner.

What could have caused this and what should I look for?

Thanks

 

[rdruss]

Get underneath the 4runner if necessary and see if you can trace where the leak is originating and look from top as well. could be from a hose clamp, could be water pump, freeze plug, radiator, could be several things, you will have to do some initial troubleshooting of your own and try and pinpoint.

 

[aemravan]

-45*C??? Man.. you need to move...

for your particular case it's hard to say without some visual inspection from under the rig.. where exactly was your coolant under the rig?

I currently have a leak (not likely at all to be the same as yours) that's coming from around the thermostat housing under the throttle body but is making its way down the engine block and drips behind around the transmission bellhousing. Took a bit to track down .. so a visual is a good starting point .. find out where first, the Why doesn't really matter.. though it could very possibly have something to do with the severe cold.

 

[AuSeeker]

When it gets cold, especially that cold metal will shrink, if any bolts are not torqued properly or have gotten a little loose you will get some leaks, the leaks may stop once it get warmer.

 

[weberlukas74]

Hi All,
I parked my 2004 4Runner limited in winters and I saw when the temp dropped to -45C and below, I saw a puddle of coolant underneath the 4Runner.

What could have caused this and what should I look for?

Thanks

I'd suggest checking the radiator, hoses, and connections for any visible signs of damage or cracks. Also, take a look at the water pump and thermostat housing. Cold temperatures can sometimes exacerbate existing issues.
And make sure your coolant mixture is suitable for such low temperatures and at the right level.

 

[tuborg_15]

Thanks for your replies. It's going to snow this week and will be cold. Next week is gonna be better. I will look under the hood and under the engine if I see any signs of the leak. Last year I noticed when I start the 4runner in winters it would spill some coolant and will be fine after it starts running. Not in summer though. Hopefully I find a leak and it's not a major issue.

Also Should I add some coolant before trying to start my 4Runner? I see some coolant in the reservoir but when I popped the coolant cap didn't see anything in there.

Also, I will take some pictures and post here for you guys to get a better idea.

 

[tuborg_15]

-45*C??? Man.. you need to move...

lol , actually it went down to -60C at night!
I need to move south for sure..

 

[MikeinNH67]

I would keep it topped off. You can also remove the wide plastic cover on top of the radiator. This will allow you to look for leakage on the radiator itself. Maybe you have a weak spring hose clamp or seal within the radiator sections that leaks in extreme cold.

 

[tuborg_15]

Here are some pictures I took of the leak.

 

[MikeinNH67]

That's pretty far back but it may be running down the skid plate. You'll have to check that somehow. I think one of the motors, V8 maybe, can leak that far back from under the intake manifold. There's a line with an o-ring that can fail if I remember correctly. You could also check your heater core hoses but you would think that would show on the other side. If you can take that plate off easily, I would do that so you can see if it moves.

Here's a couple threads I found on leaks farther back.

2004 V8 coolant leak near back of motor randomly
Leaking coolant throttle body 4.7L 4Runner
V8 Engine Leak

 

[tuborg_15]

That's pretty far back but it may be running down the skid plate. You'll have to check that somehow. I think one of the motors, V8 maybe, can leak that far back from under the intake manifold. There's a line with an o-ring that can fail if I remember correctly. You could also check your heater core hoses but you would think that would show on the other side. If you can take that plate off easily, I would do that so you can see if it moves.

Here's a couple threads I found on leaks farther back.

2004 V8 coolant leak near back of motor randomly
Leaking coolant throttle body 4.7L 4Runner
V8 Engine Leak

Damn, It looks like a serious matter. It's gonna warm up this week. I'll try to pin point the leak and get back. Hope It's not as bad as it looks.

Thank you for the links. I would have never imagined this might be the cause as well..