Ultraman V

I've been finding a few drops of coolant on my crossmember lately. It seems like when I drive it, it doesn't really leak. But if I let it sit for a couple of days there are about 5-6 small drops of coolant down below. I've looked around a much as I can but can't find the culprit. Any ideas on common areas that leak coolant in the back of the engine. The heater hoses look clean.

This is a 96 Taco with 3.4.

Thanks,
Lance

fillsrunner4

sounds like a hose. probably the lower radiator hose. other areas could be the the oil cooler lines, freeze plugs, head gasket. what side does it seem to be leaking on?

Ultraman V

I think I just found it.......rear freeze plug on the drivers side, the one you can clearly see when looking through the wheel well.

Anybody know anything about replacing them....??

fillsrunner4

Funny i actualy just replaced mine. i did however pull the motor up in order to do it however buy removing the exhuast, and misc hoses you could get to it. Take a screwdriver and punch it in ONE spot around the edge a few times and it should tilt and be able to be pulled out with pliers. you could buy a freeze plug punch to do it easy or take a block and tap it in evenly. anymore questions on it just ask

Ultraman V

Cool, so they just tap back in? That shouldn't be too bad then, I think I can get to it enough through the wheel well, it's tight, but hopefully doable. I really don't want to have to remove exhaust and lift teh engine.

Thanks for your help!
Lance

MTL_4runner

You can do it without removing the engine, but be sure to use a little RTV on the edge surfaces of the plug to ensure it seals properly. Use a properly sized socket to seat the new plug and don't drive it into the engine too far or you could make your situation even worse.

Ultraman V

Cool! ANOTHER project for the Holliday weekend......I'm soooo excited......
I'm planning on changing my fuel pump and filter out also!!!!!!! It started moaning a little bit last weekend while I was up in the Mtn's.....190K miles !!

Thanks for the tips MTL.......that would really suk to drive the plug all the way into the engine.

Ultraman V

Well I got it replaced, the rust on the backside of the old one wasn't as bad as I expected but it was eating a pin sized whole in the bottom of the plug. Kind of a PITA to get the new one in, as I couldn't get my socket to fit straight onto the plug so I used a prybar and tapped with a small block of wood to get it in. I do seem to have a small seepage point though, I drove it around the block and let it get fully warmed up, now I'm letting it cool down. Fingers crossed that it seals up........at least it's better than before.