coolant leak on block, fix it myself or shop?

[plsbcheap]

I have a 2004 V6 engine and I am needing help today. Right now I have found my coolant leak but wanted to see if anyone on the forum has actually had the same problem and fixed it themselves. I have been seeing the fluid on my garage floor but at first I thought it was power steering fluid! It is red and fairly thick and oily. I took my floor pan covering the bottom of the engine off and got up in there with a light and the coolant is leaking out of a little plate that is next to the oil filter. I am certain that my engine is leaking coolant from this plate (that is in place for someone in cold climates to install a block heater.)

I called my dealership parts department and he said there is not a seal or O ring on that plate and "it is probably just a liquid cement sealer" used. I called service and they want $150 to fix the leak (after I told them specifically what is needed to be fixed).
I understand that the Camry V6 engine is the same as the Sienna, Highlander and Lexus RX330. Assuming this is true, is there anyone that has actually fixed this leak on this forum? I can't find the answers specific to my questions Here is a photo from a lexus post that is as it looks on the Camry/Sienna. Please respond if you have knowledge of how to replace the plate / plug and what cement to use correctly for the gasket. I don't want to start this job and have any problems and want some expert advice before I begin. See my questions:
When I remove the two nuts how much coolant will come out? Do I just dry the area off and put some type of gasket sealer on the plate and reinstall it? Exactly what type of cement / sealer is needed for this repair?

See the little round plate with two nuts holding it on? That is where the leak is at. Thanks for any help or experience you can share.

[catric69]

I would use a coolant system pressure tester to confirm that is in fact where the leak is coming from.

http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen5/16_Cooling.pdf

1. INSPECT COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS CAUTION:
To avoid the danger of being burned, do not remove the radiator
cap while the engine and radiator are still hot, as fluid
and steam can be blown out under pressure.
(a) Fill the radiator with coolant and attach a radiator cap tester.
(b) Warm up the engine.
(c) Pump it to 118 kPa (1.2 kgf/cm2, 17.1 psi), and check that
the pressure does not drop. If the pressure drops, check to hoses, radiator or water pump for leaks. If no external leaks are found, check the heater core, cylinder block and head.

[plsbcheap]

Originally Posted by catric69

I would use a coolant system pressure tester to confirm that is in fact where the leak is coming from.

http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen5/16_Cooling.pdf

1. INSPECT COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS CAUTION:
To avoid the danger of being burned, do not remove the radiator
cap while the engine and radiator are still hot, as fluid
and steam can be blown out under pressure.
(a) Fill the radiator with coolant and attach a radiator cap tester.
(b) Warm up the engine.
(c) Pump it to 118 kPa (1.2 kgf/cm2, 17.1 psi), and check that
the pressure does not drop. If the pressure drops, check to hoses, radiator or water pump for leaks. If no external leaks are found, check the heater core, cylinder block and head.

This is a great link and I appreciate the reply. This is my first reply to receive on TN so thank you! In this specific circumstance I can get under the engine and watch it drip out of this plate. It will leave a small puddle underneath every day. Other forums have said this leak is fairly common with this engine. I just need to know how to fix it before tearing into it. Or pay a shop that may feel their way through it too.

[catric69]

No problem! I am mechanically inclined, so I would attempt this repair myself. I would drain the cooling system and remove the plate to see what's underneath. I am not familiar with the 1MZ-FE, but with repair manuals available at http://www.camrystuff.com/index.php?page=Gen5_Manuals that wouldn't stop me from tearing into this project. Good luck with the repairs!

[AlmightyCamry777]

Please take pictures if you can, when you do it, i would be interested!
when you fix it, i for one would not just depend on silicone sealer, i don't trust it not to leak. Buy or make a gasket and use the permatex brown sealer - it seldom fails.

[plsbcheap]

Check my other post done on the same V6 in a 2004 Sienna.
coolant leak at plate for Block Heater 2004

I'd love to know if this actually helps someone before doing this kind of posting again. Leave comments if it helps.....