Low Coolant, Wrong Coolant, Plus a Coolant Leak - 2001 Tundra

[SupremePossum]

I'm helping someone with an old truck they got from a family member. Runs and drives fine, but I figured I'd change the oil and generally look over some basic things

It has green coolant in the radiator, and was 1/6 of a gallon low to get to the top of the cap (Topped off with distilled water for now). From my research, a 2001 Tundra with the 4.7L V8 should not have green coolant in it. The overflow bottle is completely empty

When getting under to change the oil, I noticed there we a wet spot and a green drop of coolant on the bottom of the radiator.

The front bumper is busted from when they hit a deer, so that could be replaced too. Oil looked good and had no coolant in that I could tell

Would it be best to just get a new radiator, the correct coolant, and just replace it all when doing the bumper?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Toyota Pink If I am not mistaken is simply a Asian PHOAT, and it available in green, blue or pink (red) from many brands. You can't really judge simply by color.

Zerex makes all 3 colors, all are compatible with most Asian makes, it doesn't have 2-EHA. https://shop.valvolineglobal.com/pr...vehicle-50-50-prediluted-antifreeze?Size=1+GA

Of course it could, or likely is the wrong stuff. You could flush it, its likely due anyway.

 

[drtyler]

The atf cooler lines in those radiators are known to fail, causing atf and coolant to mix and enter the transmission.

The SE Toyota dealers are running an extra 25% off on parts. The OE radiator has been discontinued, but their MVP radiator is available for about $140 shipped: 16410-AZ018

Toyota was using their red coolant in 2000. Pink started use in Tundras in late 2003 production. The pink is fine for use in your truck as well.

Denso radiator 221-0517 is also available, but it costs more at the moment.

If there is no record of timing belt replacement, it might be worth considering soon.

 

[Propflux01]

That radiator is 25 years old. Not to mention that deer hit might have compromised it as well. Time to replace.

 

[JavierH19]

All i've ever used is universal green and i'm at over 630k on two iron blocks that have never had a head gasket failure. Same with my old ranger I miled out. Looks like a tank seal leak from the radiator getting bumped and bending it a tad inwards. Probably not cracked but if he wants peace of mind replace it.

 

[GSCJR]

Would it be best to just get a new radiator, the correct coolant, and just replace it all when doing the bumper?

Yes; or as @JavierH19 mentioned, just keep the coolant the same and replace the components only.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Do you think the radiator is cracked? Or could it be the water pump? Do you know if the timing belt has ever been replaced?

 

[zzyzzx]

It's a 25 year old vehicle. You can use whatever coolant you want as long as you flush out the old stuff good first. Green may or may not be a good indication of the coolant type.

 

[SupremePossum]

Thanks guys, good advice

No idea on timing belt, I assume its never been replaced. The vehicle does have a belt squeak too. Not sure if that's over my abilities though, never done one. Its not too hard for a novice?

Seems like the MVP Radiator + New Bumper + New Coolant is a good idea

 

[Lubener]

Would it be best to just get a new radiator, the correct coolant, and just replace it all when doing the bumper?

Yes.

 

[Coolant Kid]

Thanks guys, good advice

No idea on timing belt, I assume its never been replaced. The vehicle does have a belt squeak too. Not sure if that's over my abilities though, never done one. Its not too hard for a novice?

Seems like the MVP Radiator + New Bumper + New Coolant is a good idea

Timing belt is difficult and not to mention, a lot of liability for doing a friend a favor. Even if you do a perfect job, if there is something defective in one of the timing belt components that isn't visible and something fails down the road, it could destroy the engine and your friend may expect you to pony up the bill for a new engine. I would leave that to a shop that has both the experience and GL insurance to cover unexpected mishaps.

For the coolant, just use universal extended life. Supertech, Autozone Shop Pro or Napa 1EXT. If it's not dirty, just drain and fill.

 

[SupremePossum]

Thanks, I will skip even entertaining changing the belt

 

[Dino01]

I’m a stickler for OEM coolant and parts suppliers, $160ish for a new Denso rad from rockauto and Toyota red is what I’d do.

I’ve used several Densos from Rock in the past and always super pleased

 

[Tempest1]

My son's 02 3.4L Tundra recently had the factory Rad fail at the upper hose inlet. Rad failure on these trucks after 100K is not unusual.

It currently has Toyota LLC Pink and seems to be doing fine with the new Denso radiator.