94_4Runner

Ok...here's what ya'll may think is a stupid question...but I'm very new at this. Anyway, you take off the radiator cap to look inside...what would I like to be seeing given all is well (versus a major leak)? In other words, where should the fluid level be. My reservoir is 3/4 full but the radiator is bone dry when you open it & there is "some fluid" leaked all about the front right in front of the front shock (originally thought this was power steering fluid, which is also leaking).

toy283

Fluid level should be right to the top. If it is low and your reservoir has fluid in it, it may be time for a new cap. The idea of the cap (besides the obvious) is to open when pressure is high and vent off excess fluid to the reservoir but also to open (via a small one-way check valve right in the middle) to allow fluid back in as it contracts during cooldown.

tombothetominator

Marc

The hose going from the top of the rad to the overflow tank could also be plugged.