Radiator (I think) leak. New rad needed? Please help

[straycat76]

Hey all,

After looking through numerous threads, I didnt anything that was exactly what I discovered this evening after getting home from work.

At first I thought it was AC condensation, but it just wouldnt stop. So after further investigation...it was rad fluid...I removed the skid plate, then noticed the leak was coming from what looks like the rad itself and the mounting bracket...in fact, its still leaking (though "draining" seems to be a more fitting word at this point).

- Should I assume the worst and plan on replacing the rad tomorrow?
- What kind of thing causes this kind of leak/damage?

Hoses seem fine, though the lower ones are a little dirty (expected). Timing/water pump were replaced about 12k miles ago by the previous owner. This is a 2000 Limited AT with 104k miles.

PS. pics look like the fluid is orange, but I assure you it's pink

 

[kball]

Are you sure it's not coming from the overflow tank or the cap? What's the highest point you see fluid leaking?

 

[straycat76]

Are you sure it's not coming from the overflow tank or the cap? What's the highest point you see fluid leaking?

It looks like the highest point is at the bottom "seam" of the radiator where the metal latches onto the plastic across the entire length. No signs of leaking at the cap or the reservoir tank.

 

[kball]

Well it's not very often a rad in one of these goes out like that so young but look at it this way, you can put in a new rad and avoid the pink milkshake for at least another 8 years.

I'm guessing from what you've said that, yep your rad is toast.

 

[straycat76]

Well it's not very often a rad in one of these goes out like that so young but look at it this way, you can put in a new rad and avoid the pink milkshake for at least another 8 years.

I'm guessing from what you've said that, yep your rad is toast.

Well isnt that fantastic. Could it have been damaged today somehow? There was no leak just 2 days ago, so this is something that happened today.

Any additional items i should look to replace while im putting in the new rad?

 

[kball]

Damage to me would be a rock through it but that would have hit the A/C condensor first unless it angled in there just right. But the way yours is leaking at the seam (if that's where it's leaking) makes me think it's just a failed part.

You'll need a new rad, coolant and I'd do upper and lower hoses too while it's convenient. I can't tell for sure from your pics, if you have an auto trans you'll need a little trans fluid, not much, way less than a quart but some will drain out of the hoses when you disconnect them. Get a new rad cap too.

Pulling the radiator on these is one of the easiest things you can do so other than an inconvenience it's not bad.

 

[straycat76]

Damage to me would be a rock through it but that would have hit the A/C condensor first unless it angled in there just right. But the way yours is leaking at the seam (if that's where it's leaking) makes me think it's just a failed part.

You'll need a new rad, coolant and I'd do upper and lower hoses too while it's convenient. I can't tell for sure from your pics, if you have an auto trans you'll need a little trans fluid, not much, way less than a quart but some will drain out of the hoses when you disconnect them. Get a new rad cap too.

Pulling the radiator on these is one of the easiest things you can do so other than an inconvenience it's not bad.

I drove down a dirt road driveway today, so i guess its not impossible that i damaged it somehow...grr...oh and i just checked, its STILL draining haha.

Yeah, it doesnt look too difficult, timing isnt the best, i got so much going on, this is just a hassle i didnt need...but whatevs.

Any reason to think i should replace the thermostat too? Or would hoses and cap be enough?

 

[kball]

You said the timing belt and water pump was replaced 12K miles ago so the thermo "should" have been replaced as well. You will need distilled water too.

 

[straycat76]

You said the timing belt and water pump was replaced 12K miles ago so the thermo "should" have been replaced as well. You will need distilled water too.

my noobiness is about to show here, but what would the distilled water be used for?

 

[kball]

LOL newbness is fine. You want to use distilled water in the coolant system. Regular tap water has minerals that will harm the metals in the engine.

 

[straycat76]

LOL newbness is fine. You want to use distilled water in the coolant system. Regular tap water has minerals that will harm the metals in the engine.

well that makes sense...i probably should have known that.

You earlier mentioned pink milkshake...which is something i really really really want to avoid...does something like this cause the milkshake or were you just saying that replacing the radiator buys me the additional time? Haha

 

[kball]

Buying a new rad buys you more time. Nobody knows for sure what circumstances exactly cause the shake. Most of the time though the rad's last well over 100K miles so starting over with a new rad basically gives you at least another 100k miles of "it shouldn't happen" security. I take it you do have an auto trans right?

 

[straycat76]

Buying a new rad buys you more time. Nobody knows for sure what circumstances exactly cause the shake. Most of the time though the rad's last well over 100K miles so starting over with a new rad basically gives you at least another 100k miles of "it shouldn't happen" security. I take it you do have an auto trans right?

Yeah, auto transmission.

If its the original rad, then im not so upset at it failing at 104k miles. I bought it at 99k miles, so i shoukd expect little hiccups here and there. And im totally on board with buying some of the "shouldnt happen" piece of mind.

 

[straycat76]

So I went out and checked the 4runner this morning. She is still draining coolant...I have nearly filled a gallon milk jug now. I'll be replacing the rad today...what a pain in the arse.

I also checked the transmission fluid, its a nice thick red with no adverse odors. The fluid level seems a bit high (at or over the "hot" line), so I'm not sure if that could bring further issues down the road.

Should I drain out enough of the transmission fluid to bring the level down to the "cold" level when she is in fact cold, or will I be okay with a higher level?

 

[straycat76]

Here are a couple more pictures showing where the leaking is coming from...

 

[Robb235]

Checking trans fluid is a little different than checking the motor oil. Google it to make sure, but I believe you need to have it up to operating temp and in gear when you check it. Make sure the e-brake is engaged so the 4Runner doesn't walk away.

 

[BlackCat914]

So I went out and checked the 4runner this morning. She is still draining coolant...I have nearly filled a gallon milk jug now. I'll be replacing the rad today...what a pain in the arse.

I also checked the transmission fluid, its a nice thick red with no adverse odors. The fluid level seems a bit high (at or over the "hot" line), so I'm not sure if that could bring further issues down the road.

Should I drain out enough of the transmission fluid to bring the level down to the "cold" level when she is in fact cold, or will I be okay with a higher level?

It needs to be checked while warm, running, and preferably in neutral.

 

[kball]

In your last couple pics it shows a drop of coolant above the bottom seam. I'm still thinking your leak is coming from higher up.

 

[straycat76]

In your last couple pics it shows a drop of coolant above the bottom seam. I'm still thinking your leak is coming from higher up.

Not sure if that was actually coolant or not. I ended up changing out the rad. I did notice my trans fluid was about a quart low after warming her up...which was more than i lost with the rad change. Other than having to top off that and the coolant reservoir after it cools off (drove her around for a while), everything seems to be good to go.

Thanks for all the help, kball.