I have a 1988 4x4 P/U with a 5 speed manual. I was doing an oil change today and as I took off the access panel to get to the filter I noticed a strange mess that wasn't there 4000 miles ago. At least I don't think it was; I doubt I would have overlooked it. It feels like a wax but doesn't have any smell. Of all the liquids in the engine it seems like only coolant would do this. The motor does use coolant but there are no noticeable amounts of steam out the exhaust when started hot or cold. Coolant level needs to be topped off about once a week. I thought it was being lost through the seam between the core and caps of the radiator, looks like it's leaking from more than one place.

So my question is: Is this actually coolant? Where is it leaking from? And how difficult is it to repair?

 

Looks like a Prestone green mixed with a little oil, hence, the waxy feel. Do you have it filled with green antifreeze and not Toyota red?

 

I have three of these leaks on my 92 3vze. It's defiantly coolant, the leak is too slow to drop on the ground or release steam.

 

Well it's either the head gasket or one of the coolant hose on the bottom of the throttle body. However, it looks like it starts right below the head gasket. I would look into this further and get it fixed sooner rather than later.

I would do a pressure test on the cooling system and see if it hold pressure. Then check for leaks...

A head gasket won't always show smoke in the exhaust. Neither will it always show a milkshake...so check and let us know.