Coolant bypass pipe

I have a 2007 Tacoma 2.7L manual transmission with 120,000 that I’ve owned it since it was new.

Just found out about the plastic coolant bypass pipe. Trying to decide if I should replace it, or wait until I have a leak.

Wondering if this job would be over my head, since I’ve only done fluid changes and spark plugs. It would be the biggest repair I’ve ever attempted.

My questions are:

Should I replace it now or wait?

How difficult a job is this and what kind of tools would I need?

Should I just have it done professionally?

 

It’s a lot more work than plugs.
I’d probably do it myself, but I would not want to.

I would say, you are probably capable.
If you’ve never done more than plugs, it will definitely test your patience and be a learning experience.
Or, of you feel more comfortable, and have the money, you could let someone else do it.

Here is a video of the process
https://youtu.be/etARn10c19Q

 

OP, good luck with your repair. These 2.7 have great reputation for being so reliable. Interesting watching the vid the other member posted that Toyota was using plastic for their coolant bypass pipe back in 2005. On my 3rd gen 3.5 it has a plastic bypass y tube at the very back and difficult to get to that can be prone to leaking as well. Lol…. why Toyota, do you have to use plastic in these areas….

 

In general if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it!!

 

Thank you for the response. Wow, after seeing the mechanic in this video work as hard as he did on this, I'm really questioning my ability to get this job done without messing something up.

Part of me wants to challenge myself to do this, but being in my late 50s, it might be money well spent to have someone else do it.

 

It not that you need any special skills to do it.
It’s the work involved.

That’s one of those jobs that require a lot more work than skill.

 

Im at 220k miles and mine is just now starting to leak. Just a backyard mechanic myself and would attempt it but with limited time and space to work on my truck, I’ll most likely take it to my mechanic and let them handle it

 

If you need motivation.
This girl did it herself.
And she did a good job too.

She just didn’t know to replace the intake gasket.
Other than that she did a fine job!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bypass-pipe-now-a-vacuum-leak.788724/#post-28234691

 

Hey thank you TnShooter! Definitely got me thinking about this.

 

I would definitely replace it, if it’s leaking you can overheat and your temp gauge wouldn’t even notice it due to the location of the sensor. I paid a Toyota mechanic and he charged me a little over 300 in labor

 

Generally speaking, if there's an updated part available that addresses a known trouble area, I would absolutely replace it preemptively. It will only add value to the truck

 

Thanks everyone for the replies.
One question, do I need to drain the radiator before starting this job?

 

Yes, draining the rad straight into a bucket will make for less mess when the pipe comes off

You could also look for a engine block drain too

 

I did mine, wasn't too bad if you take your time and watch some you tube videos on it beforehand.
Replaced the water pump, fan clutch, coolant and thermostat while there, truck had almost 200k and figured it was time.

 

Well I did it! Replaced the plastic coolant bypass pipe in my 2007 access cab.

It was a bigger job than expected, but anything is a bigger job compared to the limited DIY I've done in the past.
Took me about 12 hours (spread those hours over 3 days).

Really had a fight getting the hose on the back of the intake manifold re-attached.
Finally got the clamp to that hose in place with a small pair of channel lock pliers.

I'm pretty sore today (from this 60 year old body contorting into the engine bay). And I have a real
appreciation for mechanics that do this for a living.

Thank you all for the encouragement a few months back. It's satisfying to do this job myself, and I got to know my truck a whole lot better.

One question: I didn't replace the throttle body gasket because the one I bought didn't have the little metal screen in it like my old one.
Do I need to go back in and replace it? If so is the gasket without the metal screen is okay to use or perhaps that part was superseded?

 

Bottom line: replace it, it will eventually crack at where it bolts at the front of the pipe.1

It wasn't that hard...but if your unsure, by the stainless one and go to a mechanic. Should be about 1 hour to 1.5 hour labor.

 

I C U have a 2007 Access Cab 2WD - 2.7L manual - I have a 2008 Access Cab 2WD - 2.7L manual wi th 155K - how many miles on yours ? Was the leak bad ? Where did it leak from ? My brother in law's was leaking from the gasket by the firewall when he replaced it the actual pipe was fine - he has a 2.7 manual with 255K. Glad you got'er done. Thanks for any reply.

 

Thank you George.
I've got 120K on it. Luckily my pipe wasn't leaking yet and it looked to be in good shape.
But I know it was just a matter of time and miles before it would have leaked.
Very glad to have that beautiful stainless steel pipe installed!

 

So it was done as Preventative Maintenance - I was thinking of doing the same just need motivation for all the work - the pipe it self isn't that much but if you had to pay for labor it would be. Thanks for the reply

 

I replaced mine at around 175-185k miles (I think... probably have to check my maintenance log. It had just started to crack at the end towards the front of the vehicle.

While mine is a 4x4 it is otherwise similar. It took me a few hours to do mine....of course I have the advantage of being in my mid 30's. Reattaching the vacuum hose on the backside of the manifold between it and the firewall was definitely the hardest part.

While some may elect to wait, it was a big enough issue that Toyota went back to a stainless steel line sometimes around 2009 I think. Food for thought.