engine coolant leak? what to do.

I have a 2022 4runner V6 with 110k miles leaking engine coolant, i just had a independent shop do a coolant change and noticed red coolant dripping from the TRD skid plate with a puddle inside the skid plate and my coolant overflow tank is empty but radiator full.

I did not have this leak before hand is it safe to drive it back to the shop? 30 min drive.

It looks like they did not put the cable clamps back onto the two hoses that run buy the oil filter housing as i see drips coming from them.

 

Welcome. Did you tighten up the clamps on the hoses? As long as your radiator is full you're good.

 

No i didn't you can't really reach them without removing the TRD skid plate, i just want them to fix there mistake but maybe i am just being petty?

Are the two hoses only something to do with the coolant overflow tank? They are right by what the oil filter housing screws into.

I would take a pic but it's dark, i hope someone knows what i am referring to.

Thanks for the help.

 

Didn't put them back or just not back in the right spot and loose?

Sadly its their fault but at the same time I'd just tighten them down myself. Its not worth the drive back if thats the only issue.

 

The hoses are back on they just didn't push up the radiator hose clamps. So it looks like they are leaking.

 

You're not being petty for wanting them to correct their wrong. However, you still have leaking antifreeze with a 30 mile drive. If you can find the right tool to tighten the clamps to fix the leaks.....then, that 30 mile drive will be a bit safer knowing you're not losing fluid. To give that 'chewing' on the shop, gotta get there first.

 

Guess its up to you. I'd drop the skid and tighten faster than I could get the shop so I'd just do it.

Of course I would give them my 2 cents still.

 

true but once I fix it there’s nothing to show them. Plus I would need to run to town to buy some Toyota coolant looks like it’s pink.

 

Call and have them flatbed it back if you do not feel comfortable removing the skid to check or verify what they did or didn't do.

Would not drive until I verified it was not leaking. Especially a 30 minute drive.

 

Your empty overflow tank is not your main problem, it is a clue that may have saved your engine from ruin.
When cold open the actual radiator cap.
It is vital you do not drive unless your radiator is full. If you cannot get coolant you must use distilled water. Cheap at any grocery-a couple gallons should be enough. Driving without liquid in radiator will wreck engine.
Of course fixing loose hose clamps should be done asap before driving 30 miles.
Draining the distilled water and proper refill with coolant after full repair of system should get you on the road.
Personally I would never return to the shop that left your hoses loose!

 

Tough call on this one OP!
Maybe flatbed it to them….
Get them to fix it & when you leave after it’s repaired…..
Never look back!
Find another shop.

 

Can anyone verify that these two hoses are to do with the engine coolant? See image. Red line shows where the hose clamp should be.

Also why would the overflow tank be empty but the radiator is full?

 

Are the clamps still on the hoses but just not in the right place? I would call them for a tow back or contact your insurance company if you have roadside assistance and get a free tow. The above picture almost looks like transmission fluid lines but not sure.

 

Correct. It feels like water not oil but what do i know.

It's the two rubber hoses that connect to whatever the two silver lines are.

 

These two hoses go into the top of where your oil filter housing screws into so i guess it's a oil cooler hose.

Can anyone verify?

I just want to make sure it's not transmission related as it does look red.

 

^If they go to the oil cooler then they're coolant hoses. Mine look a bit different as I have the older donut-shaped oil cooler.

Takes 5 minutes to put the clamps back to their original position.

 

The radiator is still full because the coolant reservoir/overflow tank replenished the coolant loss. Loss is from improper flush/filling and/or the leak.

 

You can see the indention of where the clamp is supposed to be at, Needs to be moved to the left.

 

I moved them back, what a bunch of a**holes.

I did call the shop and of course they are busy and going to call me back hours later no call.....big surprise.

 

Do your own coolant replacement from now on. https://www.4runners.com/posts/607852

Spill-free funnel:

$30 Lisle 24680 Spill-Free Funnel, Standard Adapters, 11 x 7 x 7"es

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-24680-Spill-Free-Funnel/dp/B00A6AS6LY/

 

I would have been better off,

When you have a leak like this should the coolant reservoir be emptied first? The radiator is still full.

 

Okay so you moved the clamps back. If I were you I would go through everything again. Wipe up any coolant. Make sure the radiator is full, and the reservoir too. Note the level in the reservoir. Go for a drive and verify that the leak is fixed.

 

Yes the radiator suctioned the coolant from the reservoir. Just fill up the reservoir and you're good to go.

 

See post # 17

 

Here is what the two hoses connect to that where leaking, i was really worried as someone said it looks like transmission fluid!





Thanks for the help!

 

I believe that is a coolant cooled oil cooler.

 

It is the engine oil cooler

 

I hope that is the case.

 

What I'm surprised about is WHY did the shop even remove those lines?

I see no reason for them to do so to change/flush the coolant system!!

 

Who knows maybe they started to but stopped, i just ran it 10 miles no leaks for far.