1992 Camry SE Coolant Leaker

[Toyo92Lover]

I have a 1992 Camry SE, V6, 190,000 miles. It was running hot today, so I put coolant in the reservoir and let her cool down. I got home, but most of the coolant leaked right out of the reservoir. Is it ok to just put coolant directly in the radiator and forget about the reservoir. I obviously don't know much about car stuff, but I don't really have the money to take it to the mechanic right now. What do you think?

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Toyo92Lover

I have a 1992 Camry SE, V6, 190,000 miles. It was running hot today, so I put coolant in the reservoir and let her cool down. I got home, but most of the coolant leaked right out of the reservoir. Is it ok to just put coolant directly in the radiator and forget about the reservoir. I obviously don't know much about car stuff, but I don't really have the money to take it to the mechanic right now. What do you think?

Not sure. Some coolant may flow from the radiator to the reservoir and then back again. Better to replace the reservoir when you can if it is the culprit and not drive the car until you do.

[hairball]

Yep, it's that time of the year when we all start having cooling and radiator issues! You can put anti-freeze in the radiator but it's best to do it when the engine is cold. Take off the cap, fill it, then cap it and wait a few minutes. As the thermostat begins to open, the level will go down. But if you leave the cap off while waiting, it will pump out and run all over the place. After you get it to stop getting lower, put the cap back on and you should be okay until you can replace the reservoir, which should be as soon as you can. The radiator needs to pump overflow somewhere, but also needs to draw extra back into itself so you really do need that reservoir.

[Toyo92Lover]

Thanks for the reply. I'll try to replace it myself. All the best!

[Toyo92Lover]

It think I can follow your instructions - and I will get the reservoir replaced asap. Thanks - you're the best. The check's in the mail!

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Toyo92Lover

It think I can follow your instructions - and I will get the reservoir replaced asap. Thanks - you're the best. The check's in the mail!

Who is this thanks directed to?

[LynchburgCSI]

BIG thing. PLEASE wait until the radiator and engine are COMPLETELY cold before removing the radiator cap. Trust me, that warning is on the cap for a reason. I once removed it when the engine was barely warm... and about 3 cups of warm coolant shot out onto me. Bad.

Another note... if it comes to replace the rad cap... ONLY use Toyota original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

[Toyo92Lover]

Thanks for the warning LynchburgCSI - I do know that much! I knew someone who was burned very badly opening a radiator cap before the engine was completely cool. Do you know how to tell if you need a new radiator cap?

[Toyo92Lover]

Hey zythr - it was my tongue-in-cheek reply to hairball who doesn't use the GameRoom. Thanks for your reply also.

[hairball]

VERY IMPORTANT TO READ if you're replacing your thermostat!!!


A "stern" warning about thermostats if you haven't done many: it is VERY easy to break the housing if you're not careful!!! This usually happens if you have use too much sealer on one side, or your thermostat slips out of the groove, or you tighten one side down before the other. There are several ways they will break! Believe me, I've even broken a few myself. It's best to slowly do each bolt a little at a time, back and forth, until they're snug. They don't have to be very tight. But if you tighten down one before the other, you'll be pulling the housing a second time to replace it.

[Chris Crash]

I always hold an old shirt/hoodie/towel over the cap before opening it, just in case.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Toyo92Lover

Hey zythr - it was my tongue-in-cheek reply to hairball who doesn't use the GameRoom. Thanks for your reply also.

Sure, you're welcome