Toyota Camry Coolant Problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

vkbajoria · 03-28-2005, 03:03 PM

1996 Camry Coolant Reservoir is drying out within two days after filling it. Any one has any idea about it? I asked several mechanics and they are saying that it is head gasket problem, I got it fixed with one of the cheapest mechanics, it is still having same problem?

Please help me out if anyone knows what should I do? The coolant has no leak. Does the coolant evaporate? Are there different kinds of coolant? I am using a green color coolant. I had one Camry before, which I use a brown color coolant.

Stealth · 03-28-2005, 04:54 PM

That is an coolant OVERFLOW resevoir. There doesn't need to be any coolant in there whatsoever as the engine will not sip that up. You should be using genuine OEM Toyota red coolant btw.

***eyeball96*** · 03-29-2005, 06:11 AM

When my gen 3.5 did the same, I had a crack in the radiator, replaced it! problem solved!

vkbajoria · 03-29-2005, 07:49 AM

Thanks for the replys... see I got check with two mechanics and they told me that I do not have leak in my car but I will get it check with another mechanic tomorrow.

thanks,

dna59 · 03-29-2005, 08:11 AM

I have the same problem, but it hasn't caused me any problems.

TheMajesticking · 03-29-2005, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeball96

When my gen 3.5 did the same, I had a crack in the radiator, replaced it! problem solved!

Same here. It was an ongoing problem. I needed (and still need) a thermostat because it was taking antifreeze but not spitting it back out. I had a crack in my radiator because of it.

***eyeball96*** · 03-29-2005, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeball96

When my gen 3.5 did the same, I had a crack in the radiator, replaced it! problem solved!

But there's more............The Camry use to be my wifes daily driver, that I did the maintance on, The car never over heated, but the temp gauge would got crazy sometimes, hot, cold,hot, cold it would go up and down real fast.. I noticed the resevior was empty so I filled it to spec, couple days later empty again. It was spuing coolant out the overflow while being driven. Again the car never overheated (and my wife is pretty tough on automobiles.) I took it to the stealership and they found the two very small hairline cracks on the top of the radiator, I tried to patch them, but it didn't work. Replaced the rad, solved both problems. Do a search.

TheMajesticking · 03-29-2005, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeball96

But there's more............The Camry use to be my wifes daily driver, that I did the maintance on, The car never over heated, but the temp gauge would got crazy sometimes, hot, cold,hot, cold it would go up and down real fast.. I noticed the resevior was empty so I filled it to spec, couple days later empty again. It was spuing coolant out the overflow while being driven. Again the car never overheated (and my wife is pretty tough on automobiles.) I took it to the stealership and they found the two very small hairline cracks on the top of the radiator, I tried to patch them, but it didn't work. Replaced the rad, solved both problems. Do a search.

Precisely the same exact problem I had. Check that out.

***Edmond*** · 03-29-2005, 09:54 AM

And stay clear of those mechanics. It seemed like they just wanted to throw parts at the car until they found the problem instead of finding the problem and fixing what needed to be fixed.

And if it turns out to be the radiator, there's a guy on eBay who sells them for $60. The stores around me want $140-150 for them. It would also be a good idea to replace the upper and lower hoses along with the thermostat.

And whatever you do, do not use the Prestone stop leak on your radiator. It'll just clog it up.

***eyeball96*** · 03-29-2005, 10:50 AM

I use a local "honest" guy here in Richmond VA. (I tested him, gave him the opportunity to rip me off, didn't do it) Paid total 360.00 for OEM Rad, stat, hoses. the stealers wanted 400.00..........I've been told its not that complicated to do yourself...pretty straight forward, get a hayes manual.......I know ya already spent some cash on the head gasket

***Edmond*** · 03-29-2005, 11:16 AM

I changed my radiator out a couple months ago in less than 2 hours. It's pretty basic, you won't even need a manual.

TonyD · 03-29-2005, 02:33 PM

I changed out my radiator and thermostat. I filled the res up to the full line twice but it keeps going down about an inch below the full cold line.

Is this normal or am I leaking somewhere?

vkbajoria · 03-29-2005, 04:03 PM

Hey guys thanks for all your reply. I will get it check tomorrow and try to get it fixed by myself then. I will update you all what the mechanic said...

rainman · 03-29-2005, 11:22 PM

Had the same issue, was a radiator leak. Put in a new one and everything is back to normal.

hey... you should be using the Toyota RED Coolant

bonanza41 · 03-30-2005, 08:28 AM

When your reservoir was low, was your oil level high?? Just went through this with my 96 Camry. Had the head gasket changed and took care of the problem. Also had timing belt changed at the same time for a grand total of 950 usd..One week later I had a puddle of engine oil under the car. Brought it back to our local mechanic and he had to replace the cam seal..Asked him if this was related to the head gasket job and he said no...I find that hard to believe but paid another 140 usd. I have noticed a lot of probs with the newer camrys..This surprised me very much. I bought a Tercel 4x4 station wagon new in 1984. I drove that car for 290000 miles with very few repairs..All minor..Anyway I hope this helps a little..rb