coolant leaking from bottom radiator hose @ engine elbow after a 10 mile drive. does not leak while engine is running, only after shutdown. will lose a cup or less of coolant. I see previous owner used Permatex on thermostat and I also have found a few Permatex fragments in the radiator. a new thermostat is $35 at the dealer , not in stock. would you suggest any aftermarket brand and what temperature?
Thanks

 

What year, engine, etc.?

 

The toyota thermo is without a doubt the best one.

Put some uv dye in the system and find that leak.

 

1992, 3.0, auto, 260k + miles.
new heads and radiator and electric fan not long ago. no clutch fan.
new Toyota red coolant a couple weeks ago, hate to see it drip out $$$.

 

I see that eBay has thermostat for $26, 180 degrees I believe.

I can see it leaking from the bottom radiator hose where it attaches to the engine with factory clamp. seems like pressure buildup is causing the leak after the engine is shut down.

 

How old is that hose? It may be soft and/or have small cracks in it. Or, possibly, the water outlet has corrosion on it (or is out of round) preventing a good seal with the metal contracts as it cools. You do have thermostat gasket installed if spec'd?

 

On mine, the factory clamp just got too loose. I replaced the bottom hose (when does a clamp fail?), but what I really needed was an ordinary worm-clamp.

Having said that, remember that gravity is not your friend. You could be leaking elsewhere (above), and it drips down onto the lower hose. You only see it when you shut off because the air flow while running blows it away.

 

Ok I moved the factory clamp a little and put on an ol worm clamp too, drove 20 mile no leak. unsure of bottom hose age but it does not feel soft.
this is the hottest running motor I've ever known, and it gets there quick. can't touch the hood or fenders after a short trip in summer. still want to replace the thermostat.

 

you can get the 180 degree thermo from napa.. I really don't think aftermarket thermostats have very high fail rates.

I would replace the big hose on the bottom as cheap insurance.

I have been reading a lot about deleting the exhaust crossover on these engines and that brings down the overall temperature.. sounds like a great idea... I wish I could afford it at this point since the engine is not back in yet.. blah... search for it on these forums if you're interested. good luck!

 

I've heard of the crossover delete and will look into it, needs new exhaust anyway.
Thanks y'all for the advice.