1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Is the coolant level dropping this much overnight normal?

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by YotaMan101, Mar 20, 2024.

  1. Mar 20, 2024 at 8:07 AM
    #1
    YotaMan101

    YotaMan101 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2024
    Member:
    #113758
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    Is this normal level of coolant dropping over night? I have a 2008 Tundra SR5 4.7

    I took my truck into the shop for leaking coolant, they said an o ring was bad and replaced it. Said it should have fixed it. I took one pic at 7:30pm (The pic with more coolant in the res tank) And the other pic was taken at 9am the next morning. Is the level dropping that much overnight normal? It was cold over night as well. I’m currently running my truck to see if the level goes back to the top or not. Can’t really see any wet marks under the truck as well. So worried about a blown head gasket or something.

    IMG_7432.jpg
    IMG_7433.jpg
     
  2. Mar 20, 2024 at 8:15 AM
    #2
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2018
    Member:
    #14443
    Messages:
    56,307
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Holden
    North Texas
    Vehicle:
    4Runner | GR Corolla
    The coolant does expand a bit when it gets hot so it’ll usually be higher when the engine is at running temp and then lower once it cools
     
    YotaMan101[OP] likes this.
  3. Mar 20, 2024 at 8:19 AM
    #3
    YotaMan101

    YotaMan101 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2024
    Member:
    #113758
    Messages:
    29
    Gender:
    Male
    I just took this pic. I’ve let the truck run for about 30ish mins and it’s back to the top. So is that normal?

    IMG_7434.jpg
     
  4. Mar 20, 2024 at 8:31 AM
    #4
    texoma

    texoma Triple C Chop Shop

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2023
    Member:
    #107551
    Messages:
    381
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    ChrisTopher
    Lago Vista, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited Tundra
    All the Chrome
    Fluid expansion and contraction. Hot fluid expands, so reservoir is fuller when hot. Cold fluid contracts, so it will draw in coolant from the reservoir
     
    Squatting Pigeon likes this.
  5. Mar 20, 2024 at 11:11 AM
    #5
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2018
    Member:
    #14443
    Messages:
    56,307
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Holden
    North Texas
    Vehicle:
    4Runner | GR Corolla
    I think you’re all good OP
     
    YotaMan101[OP] and Johnsonman like this.
  6. Mar 20, 2024 at 11:44 AM
    #6
    Retired...finally

    Retired...finally Utilizing that doctorate of procrastinatory arts

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2021
    Member:
    #66426
    Messages:
    3,290
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Vehicle:
    2021 Barcelona Red SR5 Crewmax
    Custom bug spat pattern hood, grill & bumper. Dead Live Oak leaf collection under hood, cowl and lower fenders. Beach sand custom floor covering.
    Give it a little time. I've seen the large swings after changing coolant or opening up the system like a water pump change. My Fiat 124 still shows enough difference with ambient temperature changes I could almost use it as a thermometer.
     
  7. Mar 20, 2024 at 1:29 PM
    #7
    boatsnbikes

    boatsnbikes New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2024
    Member:
    #112502
    Messages:
    105
    As said looks like normal expansion. Look at it two mornings in a row after it has sat and completely cooled. Level should be the same both times
     
    Gene_in_FL and YotaMan101[OP] like this.
  8. Mar 23, 2024 at 3:13 PM
    #8
    Cruiserpilot

    Cruiserpilot New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2020
    Member:
    #55579
    Messages:
    1,267
    First Name:
    Jon
    Ladysmith
    Vehicle:
    2010 5.7 RCSB 4WD
    What O ring? Got a bit more detail?
    The overflow works by allowing hot coolant somewhere to go as it expands and the radiator
    cap reaches it's max pressure. When the engine cools it creates a vacuum effect and draws the coolant
    back into the radiator lowering the level of the overflow. I'd say your system is working, although by the pics
    it's overfull. It says right on it, Full - Hot. Full - Cold. Not a deal breaker, just something to follow.
    Don't let it be dry. Always distilled water if used.
     
  9. Mar 24, 2024 at 6:24 AM
    #9
    fixnfly

    fixnfly New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2017
    Member:
    #9401
    Messages:
    160
    First Name:
    Mike
    Vehicle:
    08 double cab 5.7
    I would be more concerned about the color of the coolant. Is it mixed with something?
     
  10. Mar 25, 2024 at 7:09 AM
    #10
    COTundie

    COTundie Whoa Black Betty

    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2021
    Member:
    #64339
    Messages:
    1,063
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Trey
    Vehicle:
    Black 5.7 DC TRD 4x4
    Pretty things
    Looks like it was replaced with green antifreeze rather than the proper red (OAT?) product.


    The level in my expansion tank responds in the same fashion you are experiencing (normal). I assume it's why they call it an expansion tank... although I have the proper red coolant in mine;)
     
    WAtundra4x4 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top