My truck has been emanating the distinct smell of coolant/anti freeze. The reservoir actually went down a bit over the stretch of the year. I hadn’t really checked it since having the cooling system flushed in late '03 @ 60K on the clock (which was also the first time as far as I know). So, it started running a bit hot this Feb. and this was when I filled the degas tank.
Although the level seems to have stabilized, I can definitely smell the sweet coolant while the engine runs, or after shutting off. But I have yet to see any leaks. Temp gauge stays right in the center. It's time to do the timing belts, and I'll definitely replace the waterpump which I hope will be the culprit.
what do you all think, sound like a bad headgskt? I've read a few things about the 3.0 having problems there.......... I did not see condensation under the oil cap to support this possibility, but then the right cyl head is the big maybe.
I'm hoping the water pump is leaking. I guess I'll step out there 2day and see if I can find a leak..
Sidney® ™
Repairs tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia
Canada
1985 Toyota 4-Runner,solid front straight axle,factory cruise control,sunroof,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 244 000 KM
Well that sucks, I really dont want to pull the heads........
Thanks for the links (again) though. I had clicked through those on another thread that you had posted them.
I just hadnt found anything specifically until know, that named the 3.4 prone to this problem as much as the 3.0 but I suppose thats just the way it goes with aluminum heads.
Looks like it will be time to search for a quality MLS gsk set.
have you noticed any coolant under your truck after it sits for a few, it might be the water pump. When the pump goes bad it will leak out some coolant from a weep hole on the bottom of the water pump, or it might be your heater core has a pin hole leak in it.........If your head gasket was bad you would probably notice it by checking your oil and notice over serviced on the dip stick or a whitish foam on your dip stick too.
Do you smell coolant when you are in the cab?if so,you might want to check the heater core.
Not while in the cab.....only when standing outside, or if the window is down.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dczv
have you noticed any coolant under your truck after it sits for a few, it might be the water pump.......
thats the thing, I have yet to spot any visual trace of a leak from above or below the engine, or on the driveway. Only the smell is there. I dont have any foam in the oil, no trace of leakage there, so hopefully the headgasket is not the problem!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captain_Toyota
You could just have a loose clamp on a coolant hose......
I've looked all up and down every hose, connections, etc no trace of leaks.
I will get down past the timing cover and see if I cant see that water pump leaking.
I have a slight leak of coolant in my 99 with 3.4.It ended up being the heater valve, which is mounted to the firewall, near the middle of the truck,up above the engine.The only reason i noticed it was there,was a white film in the black plastic of the valve.Might be worth a look.
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05' Tundra Doublecab 4x4.Gold & been Rolled,various other projects follow the leader,he's in a beater!
yeah, pinhole sized leaks can be a headache. Might only leak under operating pressure when it's steam and evaporates(giving the smell). Then when everything cools down, it stops leaking and you have no visual.
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Bob Raby
Santa Cruz, CA
'88 Alltrac (broken) FOR SALE
'87 4x4 Toy Truck SOLD
'90 4Runner (3.4 swap, CA certified legal with K&N intake, modified thermal coated headers, 2.5" exhaust, and almost as fast as a stock 3rd gen ) SOLD
I've found that my 2000 6-cyl. (84K miles) may be consuming coolant. No obvious leaks or smells. I added coolant about 3 weeks ago, and some of it is already gone.
Out of curiosity, what can I expect to pay for a head gasket replacement, should that be the problem?
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2009 Tacoma DC SB TRD Sport 4x4
Retired: 2000 Tacoma Xtra Cab V6 TRD Off Road 4x4
Very slow leaks can be harder to find if you use the Green antifreeze as coolant. It seems to disappear. The original Toyota Red coolant stands out much brighter (pink crust) if it leaks.
Very small leaks that drip down the hot engine can dry up before it ever hits the pavement if weak coolant, or water-only mixtures are used.
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1984 4x4 Xcab...and...Stock 1990 Camry Sedan. 3sfe. A/T. A/C. P/S.P/B. Work car...I install TOYOTA PARTS 90% of the time, even when it hurt$.
I've found that my 2000 6-cyl. (84K miles) may be consuming coolant. No obvious leaks or smells. I added coolant about 3 weeks ago, and some of it is already gone.
Out of curiosity, what can I expect to pay for a head gasket replacement, should that be the problem?
The sweet smell of coolant should be more of a head-gasket concern if you smell it from the exhaust pipe.
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1984 4x4 Xcab...and...Stock 1990 Camry Sedan. 3sfe. A/T. A/C. P/S.P/B. Work car...I install TOYOTA PARTS 90% of the time, even when it hurt$.
As in some of the other posts stated, A small amount of coolant can leave a big smell. If the head gasket is leaking it can be tough to see. Most of the ones that I have repaired where leaking in on the right bank(head) and many where only external. Check the lower corner nearest the firewall with a good flashlight. If the head gasket is leaking you should see a line of white/redish colored residue where the coolant has dryed as it leaks. I would check the other side as well. It can be tough to see. Thats why many people can't see it if its not dripping on the ground.
NOTE: If you are going to do the t-belt then Definitely safe yourself money and future problems by having the water pump changed as well since the procedure for each is near identical. If you don't and then the pump does decide to leak 1000k later you will be paying double for the same job!
Sorry for the long post!
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MYSTERY: Essence of coolant (from 5VZ-FE)
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