Leaking Coolant Over Thermostat
 

Hi,
My Wife's 06 4Runner (6 cyl. 1GR-FE engine) is leaking coolant. It's not gushing out, so she can still drive. We're topping off the reservoir every couple of days to keep her going.

Looks like a small hose coming into the T-Stat housing is the culprit. Does anyone know what this hose is called? A P/N would be ideal if possible. Here are a couple pics:

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...0b11fc6d8c.jpg


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...5fdc75f86f.jpg

If possible I'd like to change out both hoses in the above pics.

Any comments or suggestions about the the complexity of this job, tools needed, etc. would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Thankfully its not overheated. Right?

When was the last time the coolant was changed (before the leak)?

If due for a drain and refill, flushing would be nice. Not required but cheap PM than a warped engine.

Might as well as change the thermostat if its still original. Those arent as expensive to replace and typically convenient with a drain/refill procedure.

Use the right coolant. Usually whatever the old type was. Mixing different types can worsen leaks and damage things like radiators and water pumps.

Dont forget to burp or bleed out the air after the top off. Air pockets in the cooling system suck.

Hand tools like ratchet and socket set, decent pliers, a funnel, and some container to catch the old coolant. Doesnt look like there's much removal of other components to access the hoses.