Roadtripr

More maintainanced needed?

On my way to work my 99 4runner overheated really quick. I turned off the engine before it got too high (near the red) and found the front of the engine coated in coolant. It turned out to be just a small burst in radiator hose on the top of the engine - a pretty easy fix. I was lucky for this not happening just days earlier when I was camping with the family or going to Big Sur two weeks back.

Now I am due for a 130K check up soon. Should I get the lower radiator hose replaced? I live in a warm climate that might dry out the rubber faster. Having it die in the desert would not be fun. Any thing else worth looking into on this 11 year old runner

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

one goes, might as replace them all. Replace it yourself and save a lot of $$$. check your belts too. I carry a water pump, coolant, and extra belts & hoses & clamps...cheap insurance to get you home

J2F42C

Both hoses for sure. If you have not replaced the thermostat, get a new one and change out the coolant. Original waterpump and belt? Replace them. If you sold stock yesterday before the Dow plunged 1000+ points, replace the radiator ($200+) to avoid the milkshake problem....

gdutch

Maybe invest in a tranny cooler too so you can remove the radiator from the ATF circuit completely, and eliminate the risk of milkshake.

Roadtripr

Thanks guys. Rest of the hoses is noted. Belt and waterpump were changed at 105k. Might carry some ducktape and fluid. Since I got a manual I should not be a victim of the milkshake syndrome

eddieleephd

Definitely replace the radiator or at least flush the coolant system!!!

Yukon

Heh, I did something similar wheeling, some deep ruts pulled my lower rad hose off, lost all coolant, car overheated hard. Ended up having to cool the engine off, and fill the rad with swamp water filtered through my sock.

Came back, flushed out with a hose real well, and the heat running max, then drained and filled with hose water a few times, then put coolant in.

Good times.....


So far I haven't had any issues since (knocks on wood)

Roadtripr

The radiator seems fine, it's the hoses that are getting old as is the rest of the truck (starting to look more at the new 4runner


Yikes, maybe need to carry some extra clamps.