Coolant leaking from somewhere

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
200,000 MILES
Avatar
MIKROSTRATA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My head gasket blew so I dissembled the engine to get to the heads to have them resurfaced. I then installed the new gaskets and resurfaced heads and put the engine back together. When I refilled the radiator with coolant, the coolant is leaking from somewhere in the engine that I could find. I checked all the hoses and still can't find it anywhere. Can you help me with where the leak could possibly come from. Thank you
Feb 22, 2022 at 8:12 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
There are a couple things that we need to rule out. First, I would suggest pressure testing the system so that you can lay on the engine and reach all over to find the leak, but the engine can be off and not hot so that you can do this.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

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

As for possible causes, this is normally a hose, but the worst cause would be the head is not torqued so it is coming from the passage.

If that is the case it will show up in a compression check so if you want to do this to check it, here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let's start with these two things and go from there. Let me know what questions you have. Thanks
Feb 23, 2022 at 8:05 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.