I've discovered what looks like a coolant leak (red color) on the driver's side of my 3.4L engine several inches above the oil filter on the engine block itself. Pretty near where the exhaust heat shield meets the block at the bottom. See the attached picture. I haven't had any noticeable coolant loss, but it's something that I'd like to take care of before it becomes a big deal. Any idea as to what might be leaking? The engine runs great and there's no white smoke at startup. Had the timing belt, waterpump, and thermostat replaced about 9,000 miles ago. Thanks!

 

red is usally Transmission fluid your anti freeze should be green. unless you put red colored antifreeze in it. also did you check your line going from the head to the radiator thats pretty close to there if it is coolant

 

ak4rnr, check the rubber hose that goes from the water pump to the oil cooler and the one from the oil cooler to the block. Also, its possibly due to an external head gasket leak.

Try cleaning off the crust and then take it for a drive and see if you can identify the source.

modchris, FYI Toyota genuine coolant is RED or PINK, not green.

 

ooh i never gave that a thought