Barbary

I wouldn't be surprised if there are some of you that already know what the problem is

Had a coolant leak while the car was parked, in my driveway where the engine and transmission connect
Took it to a local shop so they could put it on a lift

The verdict was a coolant plug in the back of the engine failed and to replace it the trans would have to separate from the engine so they could get at it.
It was a bigger job than they wanted to do.

Any advice on the best way to handle this. I still need to get it repaired, would like to know the best fix for it. Thanks

So this is the 1st driveline repair or really any other repair I make since I had it. Even here the car did me right. Just did a 700 plus hard miles to the the Grand Canyon North Rim. It got me home before it broke, broke the day after, sitting in my driveway.
Joe

ps; North Rim may be even more spectacular then the regular South Rim entrance. I'll be posting photos

Barbary

Has this coolant leak happened to anybody?

LeX2K

I've only seen this once was due to salt build up which caused rust and eventual failure. If the diagnosis is correct then you'll be pulling the engine what choice is there?

Barbary

Thank you for the reply, the car has always been a west, southwest driven car. Don't think salt would be a problem here. I wonder if dropping the trans to get to the leak would be possible, easier and less expensive. I would be hesitant to pull the engine

LeX2K

Dropping only the transmission is relatively easy on your car but it still comes with its own challenges. If a freeze plug is indeed leaking what is the plan to fix it? I'd really like to know why it leaked.

Barbary

Fingers crossed / hope it's something else, but the cars been a daily driver for 30 yrs, has over 300,000 miles and I've driven it long and hard, so stuff happens. The 1UZ has reached legendary status as one of the best V8's ever, I think the best, not really concerned about the engine. The 1st shop suggested replace all 3 plugs. I'd probably park the car then to pull the engine and all the mess that goes with that.
Will find out tomorrow. Will post

RudysSC

I'd definitely get a quick second opinion before letting anyone pull the engine and/or trans out. I don't know if I've ever seen a coolant plug leak in all my years working on cars, buuuuut.... That certainly doesn't mean it can't happen!

Barbary

Yeh thanks Rudy, I'm definitely going to check it out thoroughly. The leak is coming from between the trans and motor.
But no one is going to pull the engine out. I'll go as far as dropping the trans to get to the engine, but thats it.
I'll park the car before they pull its heart out.

RudysSC

Let us know what comes of it Joe! Cars get old, leaks happen, and it certainly wouldn't be the end of the world to pull the trans and/or motor if totally necessary.

wellsolong

Will definitely be following this thread for updates, hope all goes well Barbary.

P.S. I will have to make the drive out there from SoCal sometime, I've actually never been to the Grand Canyon before!

Barbary

Thanks guys. Got a date for an inspection, specifically the coolant leak next monday. It's not gushing out of the car but it's there. Anxious to see what the deal is. Will post results, Again thanks.
wellsolong: this is for you (and everyone else)

Took this pic on the 13th of this month. This is actually on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon is as good as they say. Well worth a visit
Lived in downtown SF and the Bay Area for many years, now I live around the 4 Corners. Have traveled all over the west with the Bullet for 20 yrs taking photos like this
Take care, hope you make it up here some day
I'll be posting more of the trip in my build

Barbary

Took the car out a couple of times. Today on a longer trip (not that long). Got back, didn't spot any coolant on the ground under the back of the engine, but it was making making an under pressure noise and steam was coming out from the top front of the motor. The problem may be nothing more then a worn out thermostat 🤷‍♂️ Hoping that. Other wise it ran real well.

I guess the biggest problem I have up here is, you can't just go down the street to a Best Buy or, Meineki and get something done. I have a thermostat now I have to get it installed. (life of an expatriate) ha ha

LeX2K

Please only use a Toyota thermostat there is no substitute. I've tried them all they all suck.

Barbary

^^
Thanks

wellsolong

Awesome photo @Barbary, looks like a classic American painting. Happy driving!