Overpressure cooling system- potential purchase.

I am looking at a ‘06 SR5 4wd tundra V8. Truck is immaculate with complete service history and some tasteful mods. 127k on it.
In looking under the hood, I noticed some orange staining on the top of the drivers quarter (where the vin tag is) and the bottom of the hood above the radiator cap. The reservoir was empty.
The seller is an honest guy, he had not noticed it and it was recent.
It may be a bad cap, but do these trucks have any known radiator issues and how concerning should this be? Otherwise it’s the perfect truck at a fair price.

 

yes, actually. These trucks are known to have the 'pink milkshake' issue where a line blows inside the radiator that forces transmission fluid into the coolant when the truck is hot, overflowing the reservoir. when cold, coolant flows back into the transmission, mixing it all together. This happened to my dad's truck.

At best, you flush everything out and replace the radiator and you're okay. at worst, you replace the transmission and prey that the cooling system doesn't get plugged with pink sludge.


hard to tell if this is your issue or not, but I'd check for it.

google "Toyota Tundra pink milkshake" and you'll read all about it. it's pretty common in 4Runners too from what I've heard/seen.

 

Thanks for the help! The seller had the radiator pressure tested for leaks and found none. I’m not sure if that would be an effective test as the tranny is sealed.

Any other way to check an 06 without dropping the pan?

 

Do you have a mechanic you trust that could inspect it before you buy? 127k is noting for these trucks. It may be something minor.