What isn't wrong!? Coolant Explosion, High Idle in P/N, not D/R

[ToyotaGirl688]

About ready to have a meltdown...got out of work (was there at 7freaking30 this morning) and found a HUGE puddle of coolant on the ground, actively dripping from front of motor. Can't see where it's coming from. Take things apart, still can't find where it's coming from....any ideas!? Has been find, drove it around this afternoon, parked it at 1:45, and found The Lake at 4.

Fiddled around, pulled out the thermostat, (thank goodness for the masons pile of sand and wheelbarrow!!) undid some things, and when we put it together, I don't think the thermostat works...like, at all. Ran for less than 5 minutes and the temp gauge on the dash went only about 1mm above the middle before it overheated. Steaming and everything. Shoot me.

Suggestions on where to look/what could/should be checked?

I should probably make another freaking thread for the other stuff...would a high idle be connected to the coolant non-function? High idle, about 1700 when in park and neutral. Goes down to about 1000 in drive and reverse. WTF!?

Help meeeeeeee!

 

[Ryros92runner]

In a recent thread turboSR5 mentioned high idle could be related to air in the cooling system.
Here's a link-
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/165364-strange-idle.html
I also posted a diagram for the coolant flow through a 92 3VZE, not knowing what motor you have, hope it's close.
If the leak isn't obvious you can either pressure test the system and listen for the leak or buy a UV leak detection kit and go that route.
Hope this helps,
Jim S

 

[541joseph]

There is a coolant line that goes from the plenum to the intake on the front left of the engine that can leak could be the water pump, radiator could be a lot of things

 

[crash813]

If you have a leak then the system won't stay pressurized. If its not under pressure, it will overheat before normal because the boiling temp is lower. I'd start checking the easy stuff first, cracks in the hoses, radiator drain cock, so forth. If its the v6, the newer ones have a hose that runs from the thermostat to the back side of the engine block that cools the oil..... then some more lines up to the one Jim talked about. The hard coolant lines that run under the intake are known to rust out. They're a pain because you have to take the intake off, then it runs down the back side.

I wouldn't worry about the idle right now.....probably trapped air from the leak.
good luck.

 

[fourwd1]

Top off the radiator with water (why waste antifreeze) and pressurize the system, you should find your leak.
Most parts stores will loan you tools like a coolant pressure tester.

 

[77'911]

I'll put my $$ on waterpump, especially if it's a 3VZE(V6). Sorry to hear, hope you find the culprite.
regards