Coolant leak

Over the last few days, I have noticed that sweet, sweet smell of coolant after driving. I seem to have a small leak somewhere. It looks like it may be coming from the radiator itself. I need to dig in and look more carefully but if it is the radiator that needs replacing, does anyone have a good lead on an OEM: good price/in stock?

Thanks!

 

I think rock auto has decent oem rads, or if you talk to @des2mtn you could get a shiny aluminum one

 

Seems like RockAuto is one of the only companies able to ship w/o damage. Look up your Denso part number here. And don't forget about your 5% code to offset shipping/tax a little.

 

Also, could it just be a old radiator cap? Not sure if a new radiator comes with a new cap or not but maybe a cheap fix

 

Thanks. I guess the plan is to let the engine run while I take off the skid plate and look around with a flashlight. I might get to that today. I will report back.

 

Like you don’t have anything else to do today! Hahah

 

Check for leaks at the back of the engine also, not just the front.

 

That’s the crossover tube your talking about being a culprit right?

 

Not necessarily a "culprit", just another in the list of things to check.

Leaks on radiator body
Leaks on overflow tank or its tubing
Leaks from primary hoses/connections
Leaks from where the tranny lines pass thru bottom of radiator
Coolant bypass at back of engine block (look where firewall coolant hoses connect to the block)
Behind the thermostat housing, and in the valley behind/under the intake
At the coolant temp sensor (ECT sensor)
Leaks from the radiator cap
Leaks at any block freeze plugs

Those are the areas I'd be looking at.

 

I always feel like my overflow is low, I topped it off in the truck and the 4runner yesterday

 

I mean, there are "weep" spots on many engines, including the 2UZ-FE, where coolant will naturally come out of the engine in small amounts. But it shouldn't ever be noticeable enough for you to need to refill. A few people have posted pics of pink crystalline looking crap when doing their timing belt, for example. I don't recall which part was weeping. I've found similar on mine.

One of these days I need to get off my ass and swap my radiator. I wish there was a date code on the damn thing somewhere so I knew how old it was.

 

I think I know what your referring to with the TB.
I was looking at my TB sticker yesterday, im way under on miles but it was done in 2015, so maybe I’ll plan for it in the next year or so.
I’d assume your Rad is original, im sure mine is

 

Found something at the too of the radiator


and some seepage down below


No leak at the cap.The whole top of the radiator is a little wet with coolant. No leak at the top hose. Reservoir has a little fluid, but it is low. Can I drive this for ~20 miles until I have off later this week? And does it-seem like it is the radiator body to you? Thanks!

 

I can only see that being possible if they double box or actually open up the existing box and fill it with better protective packaging seeing how the foam easily shifts out of place.

 

Time for a new radiator... You can't really fix leaks between the cap and body.

Maybe they box-in-box, or only ship radiators via air, or fulfill via the most regionally-close warehouse?

Whatever they're going, we have yet to see anyone get one damaged from them. I know I've gotten them damaged from just about everyone except Summit Racing.

 

Is this the one:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8611060&cc=1389001&pt=2172&jsn=852

It looks like I should replace the hoses and thermostat while I am in there.

 

No. Order a Denso replacement. And yes, hoses, thermostat, fresh coolant(rock Auto sells Aisin brand), and a OEM radiator cap.

 

I just bought a rad for my 2005 Suburban. It came in a large cardboard box with expanding foam bags on the corners. Box looked ok but it did have a couple bent fins. Not happy about that but not worth sending back

 

Hmmm. This is what rock auto is showing for me as oem?

 

No pic ...

Your truck info on your profile only says "2002 Tundra 4x4 LTD" so I can only guess the part ... I assume you're a V8, and IIRC, your cab is AC because DC didn't exist in 2002. AC/RC share a radiator, and the DC radiator is different.

If so, per Denso's part search, the Denso part# for your radiator is 221-0517. That's here: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=4723065&jsn=723

 

Thank you sir. You nailed it.

 

Placed an order for the radiator, hose, thermostat & gasket, and a "metal flush" which I will do before putting in the new radiator. I guess I need a bunch of coolant and distilled water also. I plan to watch a few youtube videos. The radiator is due to be in next Wednesday; there goes my Thanksgiving road trip...lol.

 

Also, it looked like you had green anti freeze? I think it’s supposed to be the pink long life

 

Yes, this! Don't use anything except red (/pink). If you're not going OEM Toyota fluid, Zerex Asian Red is good alternative.

As much as the guy drives me f'n nuts, ChrisFix has a good video on flushing someone posted on one of the forums I check out a year or four ago.

 

I was about to tag you and recommend him! Hey guys, Chris fix here!

 

https://youtu.be/s--5ft5YiHg

 

Awesome. Thanks for the heads up on the red coolant.

 

NP. If you've got something else in there now, you really should flush it. More info in this post.

 

I always had the hankling that our own @chrisb was actually Chris fix