Lanman

My 1994 3vze has a coolant leak in the front on the drivers side. It seems to be leaking above the water pump, above the alternator bracket bolt.

Any one know what needs to be replaced? It only leaks about 24 hours later when the engine is cool.

I am thinking of taking it to Toyota, because my local mechanic did a pressure check on the cooling system and said He couldn't help until the problem gets worst. The pressure dial did not move. What should the cost be?

Thanks for any help.

gigatech88

That's the worst thing for a mechanic to say. That's like saying iCan't help you until your motor blows up. Ughhh

Anyway how long did he have the pressure tester hooked up? I've had a leak show up hours after being under pressure. It depends on the type of failure, also how many things the coolant hits on its way down.

I'm not looking at that particular motor right now. But above the wp and near the alt bracket bolt I would assume can possibly be your head gasket. Unless it's the weep hole on your wp and is somehow being "flung" upwards. Like I said its not in front of me so these are hypotheses.

If you can't figure it out I would take it to a mechanic that will actually diagnose it and not give you some bs answer.

MudHippy

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say it's probably the coolant hose that runs from the front of the LIM(Lower Intake Manifold) to the IACV(Idle Air Control Valve) in the TB(Throttle Body). But it could also be any one of several gaskets in that vacinity(incl. the HG). Or it could be the WP. Or any combination of the things mentioned here.

Good luck!

Lanman

Is there a picture of the locations mentioned? This looks like it's a job for someone that is familiar with the 3vze. Thanks to all who replied.

PlainJaneYota

It sounds like a bad head gasket...could be worse! And don't EVER go back to that mechanic again, he doesn't know what's wrong but doesn't want to lose your business.

Lanman

I checked again. The coolant is leaking in the area above the thermostat, above the alternator bracket bolt. The timing belt cover seems to covering where the leak is coming from.

I would have to remove the idler pulley connection to remove the cover and check the water pump for leaks. Is this correct?

MudHippy

Yes. Getting the timing belt cover off requires removing a few things first.

You can find all the info you need to do a WP inspection in the 93 FSM.

Here's that http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/

wrenchmonster

There is a dye that you can put in your coolant that will show up under a black light. They make some for oil too. Anyway, the dye can help aide in finding slow leaks as it leaves a florescent trail. Pictures?