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

Need help diagnosing Coolant leak

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Stokeluke, May 29, 2016.

  1. May 29, 2016 at 12:37 PM
    #1
    Stokeluke

    Stokeluke [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2016
    Member:
    #3476
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    Hi everyone,

    I have a 2002 sr5 6-cyl, and I have a coolant leak. I'm losing some coolant but not too much, nothing to where the engine is overheating. Opened the hood noticed red coolant dried around every hose connection point, and then noticed coolant leaking out of the top of the radiator and dripping down.

    I'm wondering if I just need to get a new radiator?

    I've heard the stock ones end up cracking or the o ring gives out over time with the plastic ones.

    If someone could give me some advice on this that would be awesome.

    Thanks
     
  2. May 29, 2016 at 12:58 PM
    #2
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2015
    Member:
    #966
    Messages:
    3,345
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Rock Hill, SC
    @Mike can help with this I'm sure.
     
  3. May 29, 2016 at 2:08 PM
    #3
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2015
    Member:
    #1396
    Messages:
    1,246
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jace
    Mile high
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tundra DBL cab
    3.4 liter? There can be leaks anywhere??? Take pics
     
  4. May 29, 2016 at 3:49 PM
    #4
    Stokeluke

    Stokeluke [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2016
    Member:
    #3476
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    Yes it's a 3.4 liter and here are some pics . And u can see that the coolant level is already low and just filled the other day image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg
     
  5. May 29, 2016 at 4:01 PM
    #5
    Stokeluke

    Stokeluke [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2016
    Member:
    #3476
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    All of the hoses seem to be in good condition. No cracking and the clamps are still very tight. As you can probably see as well I see that it looks like coolant has been sprayed everywhere from it leaking while driving. So I feel like it has to do with the top of my radiator, but I don't know what's causing the dried crusty coolant around the connections.

    Let me know what you guys think.

    Thanks
     
  6. May 29, 2016 at 4:23 PM
    #6
    Wynnded

    Wynnded What MPG...

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2014
    Member:
    #379
    Messages:
    5,055
    Gender:
    Male
    Rockies
    Vehicle:
    Souped up truck
    Magnuson Magnum TVS 2650 S/C Sniv's Speed Shop 70mm pulley RCF Throttle Body TRD PRO BBS Wheels TRD Front Sway Bar TRD Rear Sway Bar Fox TRD Pro Shocks Limited mirrors (auto darkening/backup camera/power fold/puddle lights) Limited Grill Mod Automatic Climate Controls Mod Automatic Headlamp Mod Sequoia Transfer Case Mod Sequoia Leather Steering Wheel Mod Sequoia Limited Gage Cluster Mod Sequoia LED Headlamp Upgrade Window Tint 15/70% Fake Manual Transmission Mod 10" BAMufflers Stainless Catback Valhalla Catalytic Converter Shields Engine Block Heater Illuminated Ignition Key Ring Mod Deck Rail System w/cleats Solid Offroad Engine Mounts
    Have you ever replaced the cap and hoses? You could try that first, something you'd probably want to do anyway if you replace the radiator. They're often considered preventative maintenance items, radiators, debatable. The cap and hoses are going to be cheaper as well considering that we're not sure it's the radiator. Also, you could pull it anyway and have it pressure tested.
     
  7. May 29, 2016 at 4:54 PM
    #7
    Mike

    Mike Tread lightly.

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2014
    Member:
    #87
    Messages:
    3,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    south carolina
    Vehicle:
    2003 tundra sr5 4x4 stepside....
    yep bank account is running low from it..
    To me..

    Looks like your clamps are not tight enough. Im not seeing enough squeeze in the tubing for my liking but not too tight. The hoses tho good can still leak. To me looks like your radiator is or near failure. If you have the plastic radiator they fail quickly.

    IMO replace all hoses and radiator but I need more pics.
     
    T-Rex266, LOTSOFTOYS and 15whtrd like this.
  8. May 29, 2016 at 5:06 PM
    #8
    Stokeluke

    Stokeluke [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2016
    Member:
    #3476
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    Alright I'll think I'll go ahead and just replace the radiator and hoses, haven't done it for a while.

    Do you have any recommendations for a good radiator that won't have this problem again. One with out the plastic?

    Thanks.
     
  9. May 29, 2016 at 5:18 PM
    #9
    Mike

    Mike Tread lightly.

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2014
    Member:
    #87
    Messages:
    3,642
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    south carolina
    Vehicle:
    2003 tundra sr5 4x4 stepside....
    yep bank account is running low from it..
    I hate to say it but aftermarket ones are all made in China and probably made by the same company just different names. I have one on my Tacoma with the 5vz-fe(v6) and really no problems been on there 4 years now plus. It's plastic. Most all radiators today are plastic. It's not that it's plastic is not the problem, just like if it was metal it just wears out from all the stress and heat.

    I recommend you replace those clamps just to be safe. They are cheap insurance.
     
    T-Rex266 and 15whtrd like this.
  10. May 29, 2016 at 6:45 PM
    #10
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2015
    Member:
    #1396
    Messages:
    1,246
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jace
    Mile high
    Vehicle:
    2005 Tundra DBL cab
    This ^ throw hoses, clamps and a radiator I'm it
     
    T-Rex266 likes this.
  11. May 29, 2016 at 10:07 PM
    #11
    Stokeluke

    Stokeluke [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2016
    Member:
    #3476
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    Just went with everyone's advice and ordered a new radiator, hoses, clamps.
    Thanks for everyone's help!
     

Products Discussed in

To Top