A problem on my Landcruiser Prado? (2.4)

[oddjones]

OK - I know it's not a surf - but it's the same engine, and you guys answer questions (landcruiser site is very quiet)

I'm noticing a very small leak of what appears to be engine coolant through the heater... The leak was so small in fact that I hadn't noticed it, but I keep getting the faint smell of engine coolant (like when a car overheats only much less so) - which was scaring me silly - but on opening up the bonnet there appeared to be nothing wrong... It was only when driving wearing sandals that I noticed a drop of cold water on my foot - and the carpet underneath the heater vent in the driver's side footwell was very slightly moist. The water tasted of coolant (don't ask how I know what it tastes like).

I've read a couple of other threads which mention this issue - but I'm none the wiser - is this something to worry about? - I've been using the air-con and my first thought might be that it was condensation - but that taste has me worried (I keep having trouble with cooling on cars - I don't know why - it's like I'm plagued)...

[Elvz]

There isnt any connection between condensation from the aircon and coolant so if you think that the leak is coolant you need to find it ASAP.

I was thinking though that in this weather its unlikely that youre using the heater so why is it leaking now? have you tried running the engine with the heater on max for a while?

[oddjones]

its unlikely that youre using the heater...

I've only had the car a couple of weeks, bought at auction. Not using the heater at all - but using the air-con quite a lot.

Pretty sure the leak IS coolant - have read a thread that suggests Radweld in the system - will this get as far as the heater matrix?

And if it is only a tiny leak (which it is) will radweld hold it long term? I'm asking all these questions coz I'm about to take the car on a 3000 mile round trip to the south of France - I don't want it flaking out on me...

[Tallyman]

It certainly sounds like you could have a leak, possibly either in the heater supply pipes or in the heater matrix. Try running with the heater turned on to hot for a while as any small leak is likely to show up more once the pipework / matrix gets hot and expands.

If is is only a small leak, then Radweld might be the answer short term but for long term safety I'd definitely look at tracing and curing the leak. It could be something as simple as a loose hose connection but, if not, you really don't want to set out on any long journeys with it still leaking as you could end up with a major leak miles from civilisation.

[Elvz]

Sorry if this isn't very encouraging but coolant leaks are always potentially serious.

Radweld lasts for 'a while' and it will reach the heater but it isn't a permanent cure and you'd just be putting off fixing the leak. If you use Radweld buy several bottles and carry some in the car just in case.

You could also isolate the heater for the time being so that it can't leak but really the only thing to do is to find the leak and fix it.

[Hilux]

leak

Hi Like your self l am in Liverpool check your heater pipe clips are OK, they should be at the very back of the engine l think. Or check the drian off pipe for the air-con that may have come off, and the water from that is not going out of the car but staying in the heater box and leaking out on your foot.

[oddjones]

Thanks for your thoughts

Turns out the dang fool garage I'd taken it to for its pre-registration MOT and checkover hadn't bothered to fill up the radiator all the way. (which explains the coolant smell I guess) - Anyway, gave the colling system a thorough clean out, new coolant and Radweld for good measure (couple bottles in the glovebox - that's a nice tip, thanks) and so far so good. When I get the chance one weekend I'll have a nosey around the heater pipes

[oddjones]

An update (oh dear)

Ah, how naive...

Took it to France - got as far as Slough... bang.

Every part under the bonnet which may have ever held or transported water has had to be replaced...

That's:

• New Cylinder Head
• New Radiator
• New Water pump
• New Heater Matrix
  

When they go - boy do they go. That'll be me learning my lesson then... - Incidentally, since my car's been in the garage, he's had another 3 Surfs in with the same problem.

Tell me that this engine is actually OK once the watery bits are sorted out? (This work has cost more than the car!) - I still love the car... I go down every now and then to look at it wistfully.

Incidentally - yes, its a LTE motor.

Does anybody know where I can get a hold of the phosphor/bronze pipes which connect to the heater matrix? My garage is having difficulty locating them from Toyota...

[Guest]

Ah, how naive...

Took it to France - got as far as Slough... bang.

Every part under the bonnet which may have ever held or transported water has had to be replaced...

That's:

• New Cylinder Head
• New Radiator
• New Water pump
• New Heater Matrix
  

When they go - boy do they go. That'll be me learning my lesson then... - Incidentally, since my car's been in the garage, he's had another 3 Surfs in with the same problem.

Tell me that this engine is actually OK once the watery bits are sorted out? (This work has cost more than the car!) - I still love the car... I go down every now and then to look at it wistfully.

Incidentally - yes, its a LTE motor.

Does anybody know where I can get a hold of the phosphor/bronze pipes which connect to the heater matrix? My garage is having difficulty locating them from Toyota...

Yep once you've had all that done then it will be a very good, strong and reliable motor.

For the bronze pipes, the best bet is for the garage to take the heater matrix to a radiator specialist. I doubt if those pipes come separate from the heater matrix from Toyota.

However one possibility is that they should be the same parts as a Landcruiser 2 (UK spec) known I think as a 78 series. You might get more luck with Toyota trying that approach.

Cheers

[oddjones]

Thanks

I'll mention that to 'em.