LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Leaking Coolant

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-22-11, 04:22 PM
  #1  
mvbls400
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
mvbls400's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Leaking Coolant

Came out to the car today and there was a puddle of coolant (green) in front of the drivers side front wheel. Havent been able to get under the see where the leak is because I was on my way to work. Has anyone had this similar leak? any ideas?
Old 02-22-11, 05:36 PM
  #2  
deanshark
Pole Position
 
deanshark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ct
Posts: 3,273
Received 312 Likes on 269 Posts
Default

That is where the overflow comes out. It could be a crack in the resevoir, also a loose or cracked hose, all in that area.
Old 02-22-11, 05:58 PM
  #3  
RA40
Super Moderator

iTrader: (6)
 
RA40's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 20,850
Received 463 Likes on 361 Posts
Default

You said drivers side?

Look in there ASAP. The upper hose exits on the left side of the radiator. A leak there can be serious if the hose is going to go south. As well, a leak from the the radiator under pressure will empty your coolant in no time.

"Green"?!
Old 02-22-11, 06:36 PM
  #4  
steveski
Lexus Champion
 
steveski's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TX
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Coolant should be red or at least pink brother....Green not so good for our cars..
Old 02-22-11, 07:48 PM
  #5  
mvbls400
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
mvbls400's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yea it's green....is that bad coolant for our cars...it's a 1st gen...is this something easy to fix or does anyone know of a shop in the Whittier, CA 90605 area that is trustworthy. Im really busy at work til next week...thanks
Old 02-22-11, 08:20 PM
  #6  
billydpowe
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
 
billydpowe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: texas
Posts: 3,225
Received 172 Likes on 130 Posts
Default

your windshield washer jug is by the side of the battery.... maybe??
Old 02-23-11, 03:37 AM
  #7  
beeronus
Rookie
 
beeronus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ga
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i thought the driver side usually meant a hose or possibly a water pump going bad....ur reservoir is on ur passenger side
Old 02-24-11, 07:19 AM
  #8  
sethjon
Driver
 
sethjon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: ca
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by steveski
Coolant should be red or at least pink brother....Green not so good for our cars..
There are 2 different types of green stuff. Read the manual for the right one. Whats bad is when you mix them. Toyota would like you to believe the red stuff is better so you go to the dealer.
Old 02-24-11, 07:20 AM
  #9  
sethjon
Driver
 
sethjon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: ca
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by mvbls400
Came out to the car today and there was a puddle of coolant (green) in front of the drivers side front wheel. Havent been able to get under the see where the leak is because I was on my way to work. Has anyone had this similar leak? any ideas?
Sounds like a hole in the lower radiator hose. Also possible its the radiator but doubtful if its the over flow. Fix it IMMEDIATELY or it will cost you big.
Old 02-28-11, 09:26 AM
  #10  
mvbls400
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
mvbls400's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Turns out the radiator was shot....the PO had done some mickey mouse jbweld job on it...new radiator with the red coolant is all done...thanks for the input everyone
Old 02-28-11, 11:17 AM
  #11  
RA40
Super Moderator

iTrader: (6)
 
RA40's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 20,850
Received 463 Likes on 361 Posts
Default

Glad you got it fixed.
Old 03-01-11, 02:54 PM
  #12  
steveski
Lexus Champion
 
steveski's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TX
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by sethjon
There are 2 different types of green stuff. Read the manual for the right one. Whats bad is when you mix them. Toyota would like you to believe the red stuff is better so you go to the dealer.
Interesting point as I hear this a lot (red is just a dealer item) but I am stuck on it....I suppose there is a green that would technically work. I just worry about drying out seals, etc. The price I get from Toyota is not terrible tho.
Old 03-01-11, 04:19 PM
  #13  
RA40
Super Moderator

iTrader: (6)
 
RA40's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: California
Posts: 20,850
Received 463 Likes on 361 Posts
Default

Unless a Toyota fluid is not available the cost difference is a low expense. Toyota has good distribution so for most of us, finding a dealer isn't too challenging. There is mail order too but that may be a PITA for some who need it right then and now. Good to have on hand anyhow.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
schwartzyd
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
21
11-22-18 08:39 AM
mstrsltr
GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009)
9
08-30-18 01:31 PM
calteg
IS F (2008-2014)
5
02-11-16 09:35 AM
pman6
Maintenance
1
11-17-14 05:48 AM
LexusLoyal
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
8
10-30-11 08:47 PM



Quick Reply: Leaking Coolant



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:15 PM.