1991 4Runner Coolant Leak

BRANDON_MCKINNEY

MEMBER
1991 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

I have a 1991 Toyota 4Runner with 180k miles and a 3.0 V6 Engine.

I seem to have a small coolant leak coming from the lower right hand side of the engine as you are standing at the grill looking down. This is a new leak, never had any leaks before. It runs great, no problems over heating, all gauges read good. Performance hasn't changed. Only consistancey I have noticed is that it only leaks if the vehicle has sat for several hours and the engine is cold. Once I start driving it the leak stops and will not start again until the engine is completely cold.
I am currently away at school and don't have the resources to investigate the leak further. I would like to know if anyone has some insight.

Thanks for your time,
Brandon

3 Replies

BUZZSAW

MECHANIC
1,198 POSTS

Look right above the altinator, to the head, it leaks there when cold, you may have a head gasket prob
if it does it may be still under warrenty for head gasket this was a campange when I worked for toyota. Belive me I done a bunch of head gaskets, I also have a 91 toy trk, their are 190 bolts to take off to repair head gaskets for that motor lol

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Friday, September 21st, 2007 AT 10:43 PM

BRANDON_MCKINNEY

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Look right above the altinator, to the head, it leaks there when cold, you may have a head gasket prob
if it does it may be still under warrenty for head gasket this was a campange when I worked for toyota. Belive me I done a bunch of head gaskets, I also have a 91 toy trk, their are 190 bolts to take off to repair head gaskets for that motor lol[/quote:3944928041]

After a trip back home and a couple hours of detective work I found that the leak is coming from the little seep hole on the water pump. I had to finally end up using some dye to put into my coolant system to highlight the leak. I used a black light with this dye that I bought for a couple dollars from Napa Auto Parts. When using the black light it makes the coolant glow, its a really neat and useful tool that probably the majority of you have already heard of. After doing some research and reading on the internet it seems to be wise to replace the timing belt while doing the water pump since you are already there. I will be posting a new thread for any suggestions on replacing the timing belt.

Thanks again,
Brandon

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+1

Monday, September 24th, 2007 AT 6:16 PM

BUZZSAW

MECHANIC
1,198 POSTS

Look right above the altinator, to the head, it leaks there when cold, you may have a head gasket prob
if it does it may be still under warrenty for head gasket this was a campange when I worked for toyota. Belive me I done a bunch of head gaskets, I also have a 91 toy trk, their are 190 bolts to take off to repair head gaskets for that motor lol[/quote:e18cdf0941]

After a trip back home and a couple hours of detective work I found that the leak is coming from the little seep hole on the water pump. I had to finally end up using some dye to put into my coolant system to highlight the leak. I used a black light with this dye that I bought for a couple dollars from Napa Auto Parts. When using the black light it makes the coolant glow, its a really neat and useful tool that probably the majority of you have already heard of. After doing some research and reading on the internet it seems to be wise to replace the timing belt while doing the water pump since you are already there. I will be posting a new thread for any suggestions on replacing the timing belt.

Thanks again,
Brandon[/quote:e18cdf0941]
cool good luck

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Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 AT 1:17 AM