Dear Yota Nation -

First off, I've never had a prior issue with my 4Runner overheating. I got in a wreck a couple of months ago and replaced some outer body parts. The only thing that cracked internally that I know of was my radiator.

I replaced my radiator, cap and thermostat and while I was at it replaced my belts as well. For the first week it ran better and cooler than ever.

All of a sudden it started creeping up slowly and I could smell coolant, pretty strong. I pulled over and there was no leak, no smoke from the engine or from the pipe.

To make a long story short... No evidence of a leak. It smells strong of coolant when it drives. I lose coolant... vaporizing somewhere. My reservoir gets so hot that it hisses and boils.

I've ran it with the cap off watching the coolant and it doesn't move anywhere, however once it gets hot enough bubbles out pretty violently all over the driveway.

I know that the thermostat works and it's not installed upsidedown

87 4Runner
150,000 miles
22R

Help!! I'm totally stumped

THANKS

 

You've got a blown head gasket or cracked block/ If you are smelling coolant into your exhaust your coolant is likely leaking and mixing into your oil within the engine. Have you looked at your oil? Does it look like chocolate milkshake?

Also do a compression test on your radiator. That too will confrim a leak. You can rent a compression test kit from autozone or the like. I can't remember what the PSI you are shooting for is.... Hopefully someone else will chime in here.

I am wondering if somehow your block was cracked during the accident. If so It may be covered under insurance...

 

Thanks, I'll take a look at the oil and do the compression test and let you know what I find out.

 

could it be something wrong with the intake manifold??