2003 Toyota Camry Reserve coolant take emptying & leak

118,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SWTKITTY98
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Well it starts out that as you stop, you hear a sloshing sound like a rolling water bottle under the driver's seat. The engine will eventually overheat due to the reserve coolant tank emptying out. There is also a small leak near the back of the head as this is happening now. The first time this happened, we put a brand new engine in, waterpump, thermostat, transmission pump, and hoses. Now with a brand new engine in with less than 2,000 miles on the engine, the car is exhibiting the same problem again. What could be the cause? We are about to install another brand new engine due to the warranty, but we want to keep from having to replace engines on a consistent basis. Any suggestions as to the root of the problem?
Mar 2, 2009 at 10:04 AM
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RACEFAN966
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Has anyone done a pressure test on the coolant system to find where it is leaking? It may be a hose or who know's what. Get back to me.
Mar 2, 2009 at 11:18 AM
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SWTKITTY98
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yes, everything was pressure tested and fine. Now we have the same problem again.
Mar 2, 2009 at 11:54 AM
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RACEFAN966
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 5,029 POSTS
It cant be fine or you wouldn't have a leak. SO the coolant is going somewhere it is either leaking or using one or the other. Has a chemical test been done to test for combustion gases in the radiator?
Mar 2, 2009 at 12:01 PM
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