Air Conditioner stopped working, engine overheated leaks?

NOTAPROMIKE2

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA SIENNA
V6
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

Deceased brothers' car. Bought it ran fine A/C worked fine for 800 miles. A/C quit. No cold air. Temperature gauge fine for nest 150 miles. Stopped 5 min. Started car, blew cold air. 8 miles later temperature gauge on hot. Added hot water, temperature gauge came down to normal. I drove 100 miles slowly, the temperature gauge was okay, but still leaking coolant underneath the car. Grinding sound from near water pump. Quit leaking made it home another 100 miles. Problem?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

The water pump is driven by the timing belt. Are you able to see if there is any evidence of it leaking? You will need to remove the upper belt covers to see the pump fully. If you do this, see if there is any side-to-side play in the pulley.

If there isn't, we need to pressure test the cooling system to see where the leak is coming from. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Try this and let me know what you find.

Take care,

joe

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Monday, September 2nd, 2024 AT 7:59 PM

NOTAPROMIKE2

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31 POSTS

There is definitely a constant coolant leak dripping from underneath the water pump and weird abnormal noises coming from that area. I plan on having the water pump and timing belt replaced as there are 250,000 miles on the van. Is this a complicated job? I did this 50 years ago when cars were much simpler but at 72 years old, I am hesitant but can't afford a $1,000.00 repair bill either. Thanks.

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Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 AT 7:35 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like that is where the leak is coming from. Also, 72 is the new 40, so you still have a lot of life left!

As far as replacement, it is a somewhat difficult job, but you should be able to do it. If you look below, I attached the directions for replacing the timing belt. Once it is off, you can access the water pump, and that part is straight forward.

Take a look through the (many) pics below to see if you are comfortable doing it. I can try to help from here if you have questions.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 AT 7:59 PM

NOTAPROMIKE2

MEMBER
31 POSTS

Thank you for the instructions and offer to assist. I contacted Toyota dealership yesterday.$950 labor, $850. Parts. Talked to a local mechanic with a lifetime of experience.$450. Labor. I ordered the parts from A-Premium for $100. Includes Water pump, timing belt, seals, tensioner, etc. Leaning toward hiring it done. If not, your input will be very helpful. Also watched a 30 min. You tube video with same van.

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Thursday, September 5th, 2024 AT 5:59 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

If you have someone experienced, that is the route I would go. It's easy to make mistakes. Like you said, they aren't like they used to be. LOL

Regardless, if you have a chance, let me know how things work out for you.

Take care,

Joe