Slight Coolant Leak

[alumarine]

I've had this truck with the 5VZ for about a year, 140,000 miles.
Don't know the maintenance history but it appears well taken care of.
Runs perfect but I've noticed the coolant level drops slightly from the reservoir bottle.
Not much, I might have added a quart in the last year.
It's not leaking from the rad hoses or the thermostat housing.
Drops do end up in this location.
Any likely suspects?

 

[JayRolla]

I've had this truck with the 5VZ for about a year, 140,000 miles.
Don't know the maintenance history but it appears well taken care of.
Runs perfect but I've noticed the coolant level drops slightly from the reservoir bottle.
Not much, I might have added a quart in the last year.
It's not leaking from the rad hoses or the thermostat housing.
Drops do end up in this location.
Any likely suspects?

Upper radiator hose and radiator cap is above that location. Near that location at the bottom is the radiator coolant lines that go to the transmission. If you have the original radiator I would look into replacing it. Research pink milkshake if you have not yet.

 

[mtbtim]

If you're sure that coolant below the harmonic damper pulley is not making it's way down from the upper radiator hose or thermostat housing, I'd say your water pump is leaking.

The water pump is hidden behind the timing cover right above that area.

 

[alumarine]

If you're sure that coolant below the harmonic damper pulley is not making it's way down from the upper radiator hose or thermostat housing, I'd say your water pump is leaking.

The water pump is hidden behind the timing cover right above that area.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking as well.
Hopefully it hangs in there till spring.

Wasn't sure if there were any other common leaking points on these.

 

[gamefreakgc]

If you're sure that coolant below the harmonic damper pulley is not making it's way down from the upper radiator hose or thermostat housing, I'd say your water pump is leaking.

The water pump is hidden behind the timing cover right above that area.

x2 on water pump. It will start to weep fluid before it starts to fail. Been there done that. You can pull back the timing cover by removing the few bolts and take a look. Or rent a coolant pressure tester and see if you can get it to leak, sometimes doesn't work when the engine is cold. If it's a hose or the radiator the pressure tester will show it.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

If you're sure that coolant below the harmonic damper pulley is not making it's way down from the upper radiator hose or thermostat housing, I'd say your water pump is leaking.

The water pump is hidden behind the timing cover right above that area.

x2 on water pump. It will start to weep fluid before it starts to fail. Been there done that. You can pull back the timing cover by removing the few bolts and take a look. Or rent a coolant pressure tester and see if you can get it to leak, sometimes doesn't work when the engine is cold. If it's a hose or the radiator the pressure tester will show it.

X3 on water pump. Use OEM or Aisin parts.

 

[alumarine]

Great, thanks fro the ideas.
In the spring I'll get a pressure checker to verify where it's leaking.
Unless of course it grenades before then!

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Great, thanks fro the ideas.
In the spring I'll get a pressure checker to verify where it's leaking.
Unless of course it grenades before then!

It's leaking way more than what it appears, as the coolant usually dries before getting to the top of the oil pan. You better get it done like yesterday, because if you overheat, you will likely need a new engine. It's just going to get worse, especially if it's leaking from the weep hole. You won't make it until spring.

Why would you pressure check it when you know it's leaking?