I also had the same leak and after using RTV sealant 2-3 times without much success went with some gasket material. Almost 2 years with no leaks so far.

 

ok, so can anybody actually tell me what the two peices are? the filler neck and what? i'll have to drive to the dealer get the gasket and let the truck sit and then do this later tonight. thanks guys!

 

:pat:
You don't need to buy a gasket much less go to the dealer for anything. Any selaent would work better anyways and lasts longer. RTV sealent comes in many forms so make sure you get the one that is OK around Antifreeze/Coolent. It will tell you on the tube.

 

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/v6tbelt/index.html
This is a link showing timing belt replacement on the 3.0. You can see at least 5 pictures showing the two "parts". Basically one is the part that hooks to the upper radiator hose then bolts to the engine with 2 small bolts. The other part comes out from timing belt cover.

 

ok so some of you guys are saying don't use the rtv stuff, some have used it and it doesn't seem to last that long, so why wouldn't i just go buy a gasket for $5 at the dealer?

 

When I replaced my engine I used the RTV stuff. The groove that's there is ment to hold the RTV stuff. That's all you need to use. No gasket, just RTV stuff. That's all that was there when I took it off so I just put it back on there. 10,000 and not a drop coming from there.

 

I didn't say don't use RTV, just that I didn't clean the area very good when rebuilding so it leaked. I was just going to try a piece of gasket material for a better seal. As far as I know there is no premade gasket or o-ring for that seal that can be bought at the dealer. 3rd gens may be different.

 

ok so i guess i'll just go get the rtv stuff. now can somebody just help me out with filling the radiator back up? i only need to empty enough so that the top hose is no longer full. and for adding it back in, i turn the heat on in the cab. i know this may sound like a stupid question, but do i fill the radiator up while the engine is running, or do i just fill it all up first and then add more later? thanks guys, ima go buy some rtv right now. i really appriciate it.

 

Had the same leak on my 3.slow 1990 4 runner.
Went to advance auto parts and purchased some paper gasket material.

Once I removed the two bolts and seperated the housing - I used the housing as a pattern to cut the gasket with scissors. a little silicone
was used on both sides of the gasket to help seal it -
5 years now and no leaky !

Never use the radiator sealer that pour in - unless you are stranded with no other choice. Used it once on a Jeep Cherokee and it plugged the radiator up so bad that it had to be replaced a month later. Under pressure it will seal passages inside the radiator

The repAIR WAS NO BIG DEAL

 

Pour back in as much as will fit, start the engine, let it warm up without the rad cap on, and after the thermostat opens you should be able to put back the rest that you drained out. If there is any left put it in the overflow bottle.

 

ok so i got the rtv stuff. and it says that the stuff fully cures in 24 hours. so do you guys think i have to wait the full 24 hours before refilling the rad and running the engine?

 

just to make sure it doesnt leak ever again i would wait at least overnight before refiiling and running the engine.

 

well i put the rtv stuff on there just before noon. i think i'll try before i got to bed, depending on how much the rtv has cured.