I have a 2007 TCH with 73k miles that has been having coolant leaking issues. for full disclosure, it was in a front end collision about one year prior, but we never hit the radiator and I've driven it problem free for some time after the accident was repaired. I was prompted to the issue when I started hearing a fan-like noise starting at about 40-50 mph that I don't remember hearing before, and noticed coolant in the reservoir missing.
Took it to a local shop with good yelp reviews (haven't felt totally trustworthy with the dealer) and he said the water pump and the thermostat are leaking. I figured it was the water pump given they are prone to problems, and while I didn't think the thermostat was problematic, I let them replace it (I really didn't have time to do this the proper way and didn't want to argue and get them to screw up the thermostat on purpose)
I get the car back, lo and behold it's leaking again, although at a much slower pace. So they did fix it...partially. This time I explored a bit and it seemed like it was leaking either from the radiator or the lower hose. Took it back to the shop and they said it was a slow leak from the radiator.
My questions are: 1. Should I be worried about an underlying problem with the engine cooling system that there was a leak in the pump and possibly the thermostat and now the radiator core itself (which is weird because it's plastic).
2. the noise still persists. I know it's hard to explain and diagnose noises online, but it's a fan like noise that starts becoming noticeable at 40-50 mph.
- happens with both the gas engine on and off
- happens when hot and cold
- I put the car in neutral today to see if the noise goes away.. and it doesn't, which to me argues against a transmission issue (although I do need to get the PSD oil changed)
- I don't think it's tire noise, but if no one has heard of this and there is no answer, I'm going to assume it's the tires.
- would be open to other suggestions...
Wait a second, you brought it to a shop because you didn't know how to fix it. They told you what's wrong with it and you don't think they are right? They are professionals, if you know so much, fix it yourself.
With that cleared up, let's move on. Plastic radiators are known to leak. They use then because they are cheap and light and tend to last through the warranty period. If you want a quality radiator, buy an aftermarket all metal radiator online.
I'd recommend bringing it to a second shop, asking for a "Coolant leak, check and advise" diagnostic. See what they say it is. If they concur that it's a failed radiator, have a shop replace it or send it to a radiator doctor to be fixed (depending on how it failed).
It may be as simple as removing the lower hose, cleaning the mating surface with a scotchbrite pad and reinstalling with a new clamp.
I'm just asking why it would leak from several spots. I'm hoping it's not a symptoms of something larger (this is where my knowledge fails me). If no one thinks so, then sure, I'll get it fixed. I would love to trust every "professional" shop out there, but my experience has told me otherwise.
BECAUSE it was in a front end collision. NOW you can expect all kinds of things go wrong. It's stressed metal, plastics, connections etc, and it all slowly starts showing.
Go to another shop. Have them tell you with great confidence where the leak is. Proceed from there. Ignore the snarky comments from other members.
I used to do this sort of thing for a living and don't recall ever giving a bad diagnosis of what was leaking. Other mechanics should be able to match my ability.
Follow Daves advice in post #5 . I too was an auto mechanic and then an aircraft mechanic for many years.
Get another opinion from another shop and have them prove to you where the leak is, if you are not a DIY kind of guy.
Yes the water pump issue is well documented and that makes sense. Because the vehicle was involved in an accident, the radiator too is a possibility. See if they can point out not only the source of the leak, but what caused it. A simple pressure test can point out small leaks quickly.
The thermostat leaking is BS. I find that hard to believe. Especially "if you know how it is installed". The thermostat itself cannot "leak". It is sandwiched between the Plastic Water Neck and the engine block. The only way it could leak is if the Water Neck itself were cracked or if it were loose. There are also metal sleeves in the Water Neck to prevent over torquing and breaking the Water Neck around the bolt holes.
The noises you speak of are going to be impossible to diagnose here. Trying to diagnose noises without actually being there is pretty ridiculous unless it is a known and documented issue with keys that point to specific problem with the associated noise. What is a fan noise to you may be a rattling noise to someone else, etc.... You really need to find a shop that specializes in Hybrids or a good dealer. They're hard to find, but their out there.
The suggestions so far sound right on the money. I doubt the thermostat was leaking, but many shops replace the thermostat when they replace the water pump, thinking it may be sticking and the added pressure blew the pump gasket. A pressure test of your coolant system can tell you exactly where the leak is, but I would run another test, also. Get a leak-down tester so you can see if there may be a head gasket leak that is causing pressure to be sent to the coolant system.
As far as the "fan" noise, get under your vehicle and see if there may be any loose parts underneath, especially the wheel spats and underbody pans which reduce aerodynamic drag. If anything is torn or loose, it could flutter in the wind and create the noise you are hearing.
Since we are talking about coolant leaks, I have a ’99 Tacoma PreRunner 3.4 A/T 2WD (252K miles). I have replaced the radiator once and now it is leaking. Love plastic radiators. Does anyone have a good source for an all metal radiator? The few places I have checked just sell the OEM and they all have plastic tanks. Thanks in advance.
OP, if you want to try and find the source of the leak yourself, you can buy a small bottle of UV dye at any auto parts store for around $6. You put the dye in the cooling system (preferably in the radiator, not the expansion tank) and then you take a UV light and shine it around the areas that you're suspecting to leak. It will be a very clear indicator of where it's coming from.
It's not uncommon for water pumps to seep, or leak over time. The system is pressurized and sometimes the leaks won't become apparent until it's fully warmed up, making it much harder to diagnose (since theoretically the vehicle is running / driving while it's happening). I believe the radiator fluid can be released as steam as opposed to actual liquid if there's a pinhole leak somewhere, so it won't leave as obvious of a "trail" (someone correct me if I'm wrong on this point - I am not a professional mechanic).
I usually replace my thermostat at regular intervals, when I have the cooling system drained / opened up anyway. I had an old Honda and every time it got a new timing belt, the water pump / thermostat would be replaced, regardless of whether or not they were "bad" at that time. I don't think it's a bad idea to replace your thermostat while you're in there, because it's THAT much closer, you don't have to replace the coolant and purge the air out of the system yet another time (this would save the customer money if taken to a shop).
I agree that the noise could be a ton of different things, so that's really just a shot in the dark. If it were me, I'd buy a bottle of the UV dye, then park my car in a dark garage at night, and shine the UV light all around the engine area. Also, you can rent a radiator pressure tester from a local AutoZone, which is very easy to use. Just hook up the adapter where the cap goes, pump it up to about 15, and if there's a decent sized leak it will make itself apparent immediately.
To the OP:
Being as you were involved in an accident, I would suspect that the radiator was damaged at that time. It may not have leaked but it most likely was compromised. However, while it is certainly possible that a thermostat housing was leaking, I believe they replaced it because they didn't want a sticking thermostat after the fact which sometimes does happen after you disturb the cooling system. Though this is not predominant on Toyota products, it is certainly possible depending on the service history etc. I may have done the same thing at my shop to give you the best quality repair. That said, the question remains as to why they didn't see the radiator leak? Did they not pressure test the system? Sounds like it is time for a new shop. if you were closer, i would have you come to my shop for a free evaluation. I only know of one shop in the Boston area and that is Kraftwerke in Braintree. I understand he is excellent from people who I have talked to but I do not personally know him nor have I ever seen his work so I cannot recommend him directly.
BTW the Tanks on the radiator are plastic, the cores are aluminum. The only radiators I know of that are 100% metal anymore are made by a custom shop. There are very few custom shops out there anymore and the few that remain charge big bucks. for the most part, plastic/aluminum radiators are very good especially if made by a quality company. When in doubt, OEM. I also recommend replacing the cap with an OEM unit if the radiator does indeed need replacement. Saving 20 bucks is penny wise but pound foolish as if it fails in a year or so, it could certainly strand you and/or cause other issues.
Here are a few tips for you in the future:
1. Forget yelp. Their reviews are total nonsense in most cases especially if they have paid for a yelp listing. You are better off trying the IATN shop finder or word of mouth.
2. The noise you are describing sounds like a wheel bearing failure or something along those lines. I doubt if it is related to the cooling system. When you find a quality shop, ask for their diagnosis. If it makes no sense, ask them to show you. If it still makes no sense, try another shop.
3. What kind of warranty does a shop put on their work? If they make a mistake are they willing to repair it free or are they quick to dismiss you?
4. What kind of replacement parts does a shop use? OEM? Quality aftermarket? Auto parts store junk?
5. Stay away from the chains like Firestone, Goodyear, Pep Boys, Sears. Walmart and the like. While there are exceptions to every rule, for the most part the technicians employed there are less concerned with fixing your car than they are with filling their wallet.
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