Zishan

Well, I noticed some smoke coming from the hood. I popped the hood and the cap to the coolant reservoir was loose and coolant and steam was coming out of there. I popped it back on, didn't seem that secure, and it's happened again.

Mechanic said the radiator shroud needed to be replaced, so I bought one, he installed it today, drove home, and same thing.

It the cap suppose to be on there really tight? It seems to pop on like the top on a gallon bottle of milk, not on there secure enough for a lot of pressure???

Any advice or insight is appreciated...

Thanks,

UncleRay

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like too much air is in the reservoir. See if you can fill it to the max, put the lid on, keep your hood open with the car running. see how long it takes for it to pop off... I suggest doing that in a very open area.

Zishan

UncleRay,

Thanks for the advice. I tried that today. I stood around and watch it and slowly but surely, the resevoir cap started leaking coolant again.

Any other advice? Help, please....this is driving me crazy...

Thanks again,

UncleRay

iTrader: (2)

How long did it take for it to pop off?

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

I suggest you go pressure test it if it is overheating. Or you should drain and refill with fresh Toyota coolant 50/50. GL!

Zishan

The first time (prior to posting this) I noticed it Friday after work, it was from the drive from work to home, which was about 45 minutes and 20 miles.

This time, after your advice (thanks again btw for helping) I started it, topped off all the fluids, secured both caps and waited for the car to heat up. My car normally is right above the half way mark on the temp gauge.

It was started for about 5 minutes. The top didn't pop off, but I could see water/coolant leaking from one side of it, as if there was pressure pushing the cap up. Really frustrating, the headlight bulb went out too....but that's minor I know. (hopefully)

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Have you tried replacing the radiator cap itself yet?

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

May just need a coolant flush and refill. Remember to use OEM Toyota coolant!

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

That concludes the story. You have put too much coolant or water in the system. So it has to over flow. That's if the car is not overheating. If the car is overheating, then you need to go have it pressure tested to see where is it leaking from.

A bad radiator cap would cause the car to overheat. But do check it.

Infamous 1

iTrader: (20)

I agree with trying a new cap.

Zishan

Guys,

Thanks for all the tips. Excuse my ignorance, but why would the radiator cap cause the car to overheat?

The car seems to run fine, until most of the coolant has leaked out, then it will start to heat up. By this time, it's appartent to me because of the smoke so I shut it down immediately.

I will try a new cap, a flush, and OEM coolant. If that doesn't work, a Pressure Test it is...

Thanks guys, it feels much better with some support.

Regards,
- Zishan

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

yeah this was my 1ST thought....