Hey - great site. I've recently purchased my first Toyata (4Runner) and i just came across this problem....the coolant fluid is literally being forced out the top of the overflow container when the engine is running, of course. The engine does not appear to be running hot or overheating (yet)...Any ideas what might cause the the fluid to gush out of the overflow container? I haven't added any or touched anything since i got it (about 2000 miles).

I'd appreciate any assistance anyone could provide....

Thanks!

 

On the toyota diesel hilux surf I have an overflowing overflow container is a sign that you have a cracked head, or if you are lucky just a blown head gasket. My bet is you have one of those two problems.

Hope I am wrong, but I bet that it is one of these things.

Randydb

 

I had a similar problem on my old 4runner (00). It was a problem with the radiator. The transmission cooler is inside the radiator and had a leak in it. So I had a mix of transmission fluid and coolant coming out of my overflow bottle. Had to replace the radiator, and flush the transmission multiple times.

 

Thanks for the replies. I guess I don't quite understand how it could be a blown head gasket or cracked head. How would that force the coolant out of the overflow container?

Anyway, I appreciate the opinions - I've got to have it checked out in the AM...

 

In the diesel engines it gets forced out by the gasses being forced into the cooling system through the crack in the head or gasket. Sometimes you get bubbles in the overflow tank too. The 2lte engine I have is pretty notorious for overheating and cracking the head. Your symptom is something they tend to look for in my engine.

Randydb

 

Im gonna agree with Randy. Sounds like a failed HG (hopfally), or possibly a cracked/warped head.

 

A quick update - since the mechanic is only about 4-5 minutes away - and in the interest of getting it there as quickly as i could without driving it too much - I started the truck, threw it in reverse, and it barely moved, no matter how much I revved the engine. Put it in drive, same thing. Eventually got the speed up to about 15mph and just basically limped to the station! Also, i noticed the temp gauge didn't budge. With the tranny problem this morning, I'm thinking maybe dibble9012 is on to something. Either way, i'm sure it's going to be an expensive Monday morning...

 

You nailed it! The radiator is shot - truck needs a radiator, hoses, tranny filter and flush, engine/coolant system flush and oil change. And according to the mechanic, when it's all done, hopefully the tranny will work once again.

All this for a mere $600...

Thanks again for your advice/opinions.

 

That was interesting. Thanks for posting the end result. I am glad it was the radiator issue. A lot cheaper than a cracked head. One of them times where I am very pleased to be wrong!

Take care,
Randydb

 

Not sure what it costs to fix a cracked head but i guess i got lucky - though the cost of this bill went up to $917 - ouch! The funny thing is, the tranny actually shifts smoother now than before this happened.

I've since seen a number of similar occurrences with the same year 4runner. Too much of a coincidence for me....

Thanks again...
Thanks again