I was checking my radiator when I stumbled upon this "seal" inside the filler neck of my 3.0L radiator. Can anyone ID this? Also, is this calcium buildup or possibly some kind of stopleak crap? Also, the coolant is pretty clear like water. There is only a slight tint of red. I have no overheating issues and the heater seems to work great. I am low on coolant though.

I plan on doing a radiator flush and refill with Toyota Red, but don't want to invest if there is some serious issue with my cooling system.







Mysterious seal found in 3VZE radiator.





Calcium buildup or stopleak junk?

 

The "seal" looks like it might be from excesssive use of form-a-gasket that squeezed out when the parts were mated. I found a few lengths of it in my 3VZE coolant passages when I did my head gasket. It seems to be common for DIYers to use too much.

I can't help on the Rad.

 

I think you're right. Seems to resemble this passage.


Thanks, jreb10!

 

Charlie-
You need a NEW radiator. That looks like calcium build-up. There's a good chance your water temps are hotter than you think. The Toyota gauges are designed to stay in the middle from approximately 177 to 220 degrees.....a dead zone. So you could be hunkering around 210 and the gauge says you're perfectly stable, exactly in the middle all the time, what a wonderful cooling system because the gauge never moves off the middle .

 

Oh darn. Any way to get an accurate reading of the water temp gauge? Can I use an infrared gun to measure the temperture of the coolant or hook up something to the water temp sensor?

 

Infrared gun works wonders .

This is what happens from running straight water to long.

Is this a new to you vehicle??

Seems you might have a coolant leak and water was always added instead of 50/50

 

Actually, I've had this vehicle for almost four years now. I don't drive it much, though. As far as leaks, I haven't noticed any. I had the timing belt, water pump, thermostat and coolant changed when I first got it and have never topped off the coolant since. I don't know if the PO used tap water, but judging from the deposits, I'm going to assume so.

Anyway, I went with ZUK's advice and bought a new CSF all metal radiator, OEM thermostat and radiator cap. I'll make sure to change the coolant with 50/50 per fsm, religiously!