Ruling out its a head gasket problem

[trail_runner]

V6 5vz 301k.
I noticed the radiator is slowly loosing coolant. If it sits a couple days it will get white smoke for a bit til it warms up or burns out. But
Engine starts right up( no hesitation). And oil cap is clean.no check engine light on either.
Any other suggestions or what's your thoughts on this problem.
I also definitely have valve gasket leak too cause I get smoke from the driver side somewhere by the manifold

 

[541joseph]

When's the last time a water pump was put in?

 

[Mike&Ike]

This will tell you if you have combustion gases in your cooling system. The blue fluid will turn yellow.

 

[tenro1]

Ditto - I had this same issue fior several months on my wifes Toyota Rav4 - slow loss of coolant over time. I thought it was the head gasket as well, and never saw any obvious signs of the leakage.

Turns out, there is a weep hole on the water pump, when it starts to wear out prior to failure....it starts to weep small amounts of coolant. Small enough to not notice on the garage floor, etc.

My guess is its your water pump and worth having checked out.

 

[coffeeguy]

I know with Chevs you see a little drip and the pump is kaput in a few days. Do 4 runners just lose a little over time My 4 runner uses less then a quart every 3000 miles and there is a crystalized pink spot on the underside of what I can see of the water pump. Have the timing kit and pump but too cold do anything.

 

[BrianSD_42]

in case this hasn't already been said ..... COMPRESSION TEST :horn: