hello- I have a '99 tacoma 3.4l 120k miles with a coolant leak. The leak is originating from the front passenger side of engine. It is not coming from the water pump. It looks like it is coming from behind the timing belt guard around where the cam shaft enters the head. If I fill the radiator up water streams out from behind the timing belt guard. The engine was running fine. I then notices the temp gauge showing hot, never over heated. Drove it home and shut it down. Figured the water pump was bad and replaced the pump and timing belt. thanks rich

 

So how'd it go? did it still leak after the work?

 

Hi sleeper2002- yes, after all the work I put coolant back in and water started flowing out from the passenger front side of motor from behind the timing belt back plate. As though it is coming from a freeze plug that is in the head. I found a picture of the 3.4l with the timing plate and timing belt system removed and there looks to be two freeze plugs in the head. I'm thinking that one of these plugs is shot. I cant see where the water is coming from. Even with an inspection mirror. I would need to remove the timing assembly and the backing plate to actually see these two freeze plugs. I think im going to give up and scrap the truck. I don't have the money or time to dig this deep.

 

Dont scrap the truck! Unless it's lived a hard life, there should be lots of life left in that truck!

 

if it is a freeze plug.. that is an easy fix...