1994 4Runner 3.0
Manual
4wd

So, the truck was overheating a little and we saw some water coming out from behind the water pump...well, we took it in expecting water pump, timing belt etc. needing to be replaced. We were told it is a radiator issue (which is completely probable!). The mechanic recommended that we replace the radiator, water pump (which we are unsure if it is even a problem at this point) and the timing belt. I understand that it's easier to do it all while you're in there, however, I can't just shell out the money for all of it. So, I guess what I'm wondering is:

If you aren't sure your water pump is bad, would you just replace the radiator and take your chances down the road?

Thank you for your input!

 

Buy the parts and do it yourself the money saved will be more then worth it.

 

changing a rad is pretty easy, baisic tools needed.

Get your mech to do the pump and t-belt and do the rad yourself.
Better to be safe then sorry.

 

Brother, if I could do it myself I would. I'm no mechanic.

 

Dude... the radiator is like 8 bolts. Just do it!

 

If it were my truck I'd figure out exactly whats wrong with it. If it's just the radiator then fix just that, which like everyone has said is pretty simple. But I don't understand why you would need to replace the timing belt and water pump if it's a "radiator issue" . If your leaking water from the motor (water pump issue) then the radiator is probably fine. If your only leaking water from the radiator then the water pump and timing belt probably don't need to be replaced.

If you do the timing belt or water pump do them both. The water pump is run off the timing belt, so you might as well do both.

 

go buy a set of tools, print out the FSM pages, and have at it! you've gotta learn somehow!

-shaeff

 

how many miles on it?

 

Just buy the tools and the parts and go for it. It isnt hard and you will appriciate it more when its done, and for the fact you did it your self.

Aaron