I have a coolant leak and can't find it! The engine is dry up front but wet in the back. Looking up fromythe bottom I can see antifrezze all over the back of the engine and front of the tranny. Any ideas where ir might be comming from? All radiator hoses are dry and radiator itself is dry.

 

What vehicle and motor?

 

'94 Runner, 3.0 V6

 

Sounds like it might be a head gasket, I had the exact same problem with my 4.3L in my Blazer. I believe there is a recal on the 3.0 for head gasket problems.

 

Maybe a head gasget problem.. there were problems with the head gaskets on the 3.0 V6 ???

 

I had the gaskets replaced for the recall. Must be 2 years ago. I'm afraid head gasket as well.

 

this dude has a write-up on his head gasket recall experience. I don't know how accurate it is but I'm sure the stealership could tell you whether of not your engine qualifies.


http://home.off-road.com/~kemanuel/V6-HG.htm

 

If the head gasket goes, does water show up in the oil?

 

Coolant doesnt typically get in the oil when a 3.0L headgasket blows. The leak usually goes from the cooling system to combustion chamber.

 

Its very possible that the block has corrosion in back near cyl #3 or cyl #6. have it looked at by the dealer. This will cause coolant to leak externally only.If so, see if theres an open VO6 recall on your vehicle. They will do this by checking dealer daily.

Also there are coolant hose at the back of the intake manifold.
There are also coolant pipes under the intake manifold near the knock sensor that will leak down the back of the block and trans.

3.0L V-6, OH WHAT A FEELING.

Kxpaul.

 

So what you are saying is that the evidence would be seen in the exhaust? Im concerned about mine, cause it runs like crap lately... it seems to have los a lot of power.... and it ticks really badly. I haven't found anything in the coolant or the oil to indicate headgaskets. and the exhaust if anything smells like the castrol syntec

 

If the headgasket is blown, you would have a loss of coolant and possibly a sweet smell in the exhaust.

 

Now I'm stumped. It's evident that I have the leak, absed upon the small puddle under the truck, and yet the coolant bottle isn't getting any lower.

Would a blown head gasket also cause rough idle?

Jay - would you know if I have any recourse if the gaskets were already replaced via the recall?

 

The cooloing system some times is unable to pull coolant from the bottle if it cant create a suction due to a leak. ( non-sealed system) .Common sign of head gasket blown is rough idle.But there would also be other signs as well.

How much coolant are you having to add to the radiator?

Is the miss rough on fist start-up cold? if so is it better when fully warmed up?

Unless the V06 was done with in the DEALERS warrenty, that is a one time deal for TOYOTA.

I reccomend finding and fixing the visual external leaks, then see if there is still a coolant loss that might lead to head gasket failure.

Good luck hunting.

 

after much searching, my leak turned out to be a bad water pump. the coolant was leaking down the block along the taop of the oil pan and finally showed on the bottom rear of the engine. WHEW!! Not a head gasket.

Thanks to everyone for all their help, though. Can always count on you guys!!