V8 Engine Leak

[beach146]

Anyone know what this could be?

Looks like coolant to me, and my car looks to have lost a bit. I just noticed it while cleaning my throttle body.

 

[beach146]

Is that the water pump housing? I just looked at a few how to videos on timing belts and it looked like it might be the water pump.

 

[EdmundGTP]

Looks like a sloppy RTV job at first glance to me.

 

[M1911]

looks like a sloppy rtv job at first glance to me.

rtv?

 

[EdmundGTP]

Yeah Permatex High temp RTV silicone gasket maker.

Gasket Makers : Permatex® High-Temp Red RTV Silicone Gasket

It has that same red/orange color to it. It's commonly used to seal engine components together and when you put on too much, it spooges out and makes a mess that looks like whats in the OP pic. I wouldn't automatically assume that that is what it is, without seeing it in person. Just saying that's what it looks like.

See here.

 

[beach146]

So would it have been used there during a timing belt replacement? My ting belt and waterpump was replaced about 3k ago, so I'm hoping that its just sloppy work related to that job.

 

[Gatafly]

So would it have been used there during a timing belt replacement? My ting belt and waterpump was replaced about 3k ago, so I'm hoping that its just sloppy work related to that job.

Is it wet or dry? Is it a light transparent film like a dried liquid or kind of a rubber texture? It looks like RTV which would be thicker and a rubber like texture.

 

[GLP]

The strange thing about this one is that the only place that gets RTV when doing a timing belt replacement is the thermostat housing just to the left of the orange stuff where the bolt is. I don't see any RTV coming from that joint but it doesn't appear to have leaked either.

 

[emoore924]

Looks like the remnants of rusty water to me. If you're losing water somewhere, that's a pretty good place to start; the hose or the housings nearby.

Not to get OT but is that a pic of 911 chain tensioner?

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Looks like the housing for the thermostat is leaking, or there is a loose hose. also could be the things said above, RTV is a good guess.

 

[beach146]

Is it wet or dry? Is it a light transparent film like a dried liquid or kind of a rubber texture? It looks like RTV which would be thicker and a rubber like texture.

I finally got a chance to look at it again. It is wet, and kind of a pinkish white color. I checked my oil and it was clean, so whatever it is, it isn't leaking into my engine.

From the previous responses, it looks like its either the thermostat or a hose. About 2000 miles ago, a dealer replaced the waterpump and timing belt when I bought the car. I asked them to check the thermostat too since I had a 30 day warranty. Its now out of warranty, except for a 6k mile warranty on the part replaced. Could the thermostat have failed so soon, or did I just get screwed? That is if it is the thermostat.

 

[762x51]

Sounds like a coolant leak then. Someone chime in if I am wrong but I believe there is a coolant pipe that runs just under the intake manifold that gets sealed with an Oring when completing the TB change.

I know for sure in that general area that is the case but its been awhile since I did my TB and can't remember if it was in that exact location. That would be my guess though

 

[GLP]

762x51 is correct. The illustration below shows the coolant pipe and o-ring. I would also suspect that o-ring to be leaking.

 

[gjmack3]

I just had the O-ring fail on the water housing on my '03 4.7. I had the same thing. At first it was a dried splotch of coolant, then a constant leak when the O-ring let go. Do not let Toyota fix it for you. I was quoted over $500 dollars to do the job. I went to parts, and was able to get the o-ring, the approved toyota sealant, thermostat, and a gallon of coolant for $80. The job took 15 minutes to complete, then I let the housing sit for two hours so that the sealant could cure. Super easy repair.

 

[Flash Runner]

Super easy repair.

I believe I have this same problem of a leak. I KNOW my coolant is leaking due to having to refill it, although its a very slow leak. Also I took it to the shop for one thing and the did a free inspection and picked up some other issues, this coolant leak being one of them, and I'll quote the report "Bad coolant leak under the intake. Recommend drain and fill, repair under the leak" . They also quoted me $600 for the repair.

I've attached the photo of the leak. Is there a write up or walkthrough you made to do this fix?

 

[blackoutt]

Draining coolant and removing the thermostat housing are very early in the timing belt replacement procedure so I'd look at those DIY's for some tips on what to remove, how to remove, and how to reassemble. I'd also recommend OEM toyota gaskets - the aftermarket oring I got for this position on mine failed. Then the other oring tore on reinstall. Then my water pump failed. Then..... well you get the idea. At least you'll get really good at taking it apart and putting it back together by the time you need a timing belt!

 

[Flash Runner]

At least you'll get really good at taking it apart and putting it back together by the time you need a timing belt!

I appreciate the advice! The more I look into the various minor, but needed, repairs, the more they seem to be all connected. I want to just fix it all at once because I'm planning on replacing the water pump, timing belt, etc.. in about 10k or less miles... but the most logical and easy thing isn't always the cheapest thing. The wallet sure isn't ready for that.