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Water Pump Leaking after Install?

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by quadzilla200, Sep 6, 2025 at 1:21 PM.

  1. Sep 6, 2025 at 1:21 PM
    #1
    quadzilla200

    quadzilla200 [OP] New Member

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    I have a leak after installing a new water pump and thermostat on my 2011. It didn't leak right away. Leaked after five minutes with the heat on full blast when I looked under and saw coolant leaking here. I think this was the finishline for the coolant, but it actually started in the other picture. There was a bolt to what ended up being to the far right of the water pump. I originally took it out by accident and put it back in at the end when it was the only one remaining. There are two bolts in that circle. It is one further right. I'm trying to figure out what the torque specs are for the said bolt. Having trouble finding diagrams. Without taking everything out, the new water pump looked shiny, so I think it is that bolt and I didn't torque it down properly.
    Strange part is when I came back 30 minutes later I couldn't get it to do it again. Afraid to drive it any distance until I get it fixed.

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    tundra.jpg
     
  2. Sep 6, 2025 at 1:23 PM
    #2
    blenton

    blenton New Member

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    Did you use a new gasket? And were you able to clean and scotchbrite the mounting surfaces before install?
     
  3. Sep 6, 2025 at 1:25 PM
    #3
    quadzilla200

    quadzilla200 [OP] New Member

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  4. Sep 7, 2025 at 11:54 AM
    #4
    SBGibson

    SBGibson New Member

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    I'm not sure about the application concerning your water pump install, but in the past working on other vehicles the bolts going direct into
    a water jacket would need sealant applied to the bolt to prevent seepage. Just noodling
     
  5. Sep 7, 2025 at 2:22 PM
    #5
    blackdemon_tt

    blackdemon_tt Battery Slayer

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    TRD Sway Bar, Roll covers USA bed cover
    Where did you get your water pump from??
     
  6. Sep 7, 2025 at 2:29 PM
    #6
    blackdemon_tt

    blackdemon_tt Battery Slayer

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    Additionally, did you put the bolts back where they came from?? I used a cardboard piece.. traced the water pump on it and punched holes where the holes went, so as soon as the bolt came out, it went in the board...

    Not sure what your process was, but either the pump is bad out of the box or cracked. You didn't remove all the residue, or the bolt is in the wrong place, causing improper sealing and causing the leak. I'm no expert by any stretch, but 1+1 =2... just my 2 cents.
     
  7. Sep 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
    #7
    quadzilla200

    quadzilla200 [OP] New Member

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    I followed all those steps. It's Aisin (Toyota name scratched out above it).
    What is odd is after I stepped away and came back wiping down the two bolts I could see with antifreeze on them (maybe from above where I couldn't see), there was no more antifreeze leaks and that was with 20 minutes run time and taking down highway down and back. Today I drove an hour total, hot engine and all and nothing.
    Also strange is that was what it was doing before as well. I'd only seen it one time where there was antifreeze coming out around the front shield, etc and the coolant was very low a week after we got it, but then I'd drive it a lot and it was dry. I saw plenty of dried residue on the right side of the old pump and I could see the gasket was uneven, but I'm not sure if it isn't something else. Unnerving as this truck is headed to West Texas with my son.

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    Last edited: Sep 7, 2025 at 5:05 PM

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