Coolant Leak

2009 4.0, I noticed a leak under the front skid plate. I thought it was trans fluid or power steering but after cleaning it up and driving again its definitely coolant. It's not bad but enough that warrants a fix. Looking at it I can't tell where it's coming from. Could it be the water pump? Could it be a leaking thermostat housing? None of the hoses appear to be the issue. There will be coolant on the belt when it sits after driving. It's got 160k on the motor, first Tacoma so I'm not sure how long they last. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Flashlight and look from the hop, it really could be a number of things. Although I don't have enough knowledge of the Toyota V6 to tell ya more, chech radiator hoses first, super easy.
You should expect many more miles with proper fluid changes.

 

Definitely check the water pump, also remove skid plate (only 4 bolts) so you can see better. Once you remove skid plate you’ll have an easier view of hoses, thermostat, water pump areas from below.

 

I removed the skids to look and left them off for now. Should I check it while it's running? If it is the water pump where do they usually leak from? I'm new to the Tacoma world, it's actually my 17 yo daughters truck.....

 

on YouTube there is Toyoda Mechanic that goes over monitoring leaks
F'ing time change I can not remember her name right now

 

Check behind fan, water pump may be leaking at the front shaft seal. Should be able to see leak with engine off. Thermostat is right there too. If you can bring engine up to temp then turn off and monitor for leak.

 

I'll go search the you tube right now! thanks

 

I guess I know what I'm doing today! Thanks

 

Virtually all water pumps work the same way, despite model type. They have a weep hole at the bottom for coolant to escape when an internal shaft seal starts to go bad. Always check when not running. If leaking for a long time, I'm thinking 3+ months, there will be crusty material collecting at the weep hole. The color will match the color of the coolant, although a little lighter.
If the radiator OEM hose clamps have been replaced with worm gear style clamps, you may need a fix as simple tightening the clamps. Keep in mind that most coolant leaks will get pushed back as the car moves forward. So, look for source of a leak directly above and forward of the leak point.

Coolant leak sources, in my perceived order of prevalence:
coolant hoses, and hose clamps (don't overlook hoses into the heater core)
Water pump gasket and/or weep hole
Coolant reservoir
Radiator, check the cap also
Thermostat gasket/housing
Rusted freeze plugs
Head gasket

 

Great info thanks for the detailed post!

 

Leaks in general can be tricky. It could be coming from up high, dribbling down and dripping from a hose below the actual leak to trick you. Airflow could also move the dribble & fool you. You just gotta look, flashlight & telescopic mirror helps. If you’re still having a hard time locating the exact source a pressure tester works good.

I had one, 2 guys before me couldn’t find the leak, I pressure tested it and found it leaking from the radiator end tank seam up high, it was spitting air and coolant. I think pumping air in was creating an air pocket right where it was leaking from so it was difficult to see. I made sure everything was completely dry, and it was filled to the top first.

 

Good idea, I think pressure testing will be the key

 

just changed mine, it wasn't leaking but my lower idler pulley had the squeaks. 96K miles, I went ahead & also did thermostat, hoses, fresh coolant, idlers & tensioner.

 

My pump started leaking out the weep hole at around 94k miles.

 

A coolant pressure tester isn't something everyone has in their toolbox. Mine could sit 2 years unused, then I'll use it 5 times in a month. Maybe you can rent one from an auto parts store. First I'd try a flashlight and mirror.

 

I still have original water pump on the kids 08’ 4.0 with 405k on it

 

So did the leak end up being the water pump??

Stemmy, the last pic you posted of the water pump removed looks just above where my leak is coming from and forming a slight puddle on the frame below the a/c condenser. Engine is dry from the valley down so thank goodness it doesn’t look like it’s the water pipe that runs through the valley above the knock sensors. The coolant seems to be running down the serpentine belt from the fan pulley area? I’m sure hoping it’s the water pump. Head gaskets look dry. Thanks for your help!