I just had my water pump replaced and thought I would share what I learned in my particular situation in my 2008 ISF

It may also help other identify a leaky pump in advance of the dealer and or purchasing a used F.

I had been losing coolant very slowly, and had been monitoring my reservoir level over a 3 month period. I knew that the cooling system is a closed system, and if my reservoir is low - it must be going somewhere. I had no signs of external leaks, on the ground or visible to me inside of the engine. My oil level was stable, so I was sure it was not leaking inside of the motor.

I took a small flash light and shone it on the serpentine tensioner, and found a massive leak and build up of pink coolant, that must have been happening over time. I did not take a picture before, just after the repair was done. The tensioner is below the water pump (pulley with exposed bolt heads)

You can actually see the area from both sides of the reservoir - it was easier to get my camera in from the passenger side



Here is a zoomed in shot - I have circled the area where pink coolant will be evident.




Lexus describes this in the there technical data, that if any coolant is leaking from the air or drain hole - replace the water pump. This is where mine was leaking from (lower drain hole).



(a) Visually check the air hole and drain hole for coolant leakage.
If leakage is found, replace the water pump.



(b) Turn the pulley and check that the water pump bearing moves smoothly and quietly.
If necessary, replace the water pump.

 

Thanks, this is very useful. You are not the first instance I have ready about having a leaky water pump. I'm at 30k on my '08, time to keep an eye on things.

 

Great post. I too have been adding coolant once a month without finding the leak point. I am going to check it out now.

 

Thank you so much for letting us know, this is very important info for all owners i will add this link to my favorites. by the way excellent pictures

 

After reading this thread I went and checked my water pump, and this is what I found out:



Guess I need a new water pump

 

Holy Crap! Thats a lot of pink!

Looks like Digger discovered the 2UR-GSE 's first major flaw??


~Dv8

 

Well there is a smoking gun right there! At least this is a pretty obvious problem to diagnose.

Hopefully this has been addressed in later model cars and the fix will be permanent.

 

Here is a post from the "highest mileage" thread, another leaking water pump

 

May I know was the leaking water pump made by Aluminum or Plastic?

 

Looks like the pump design was changed for 2010.

 

I noticed that I needed to add (top off) coolant every 10k miles, although not much. Just snapped some photos of the area, just wondering anyone can tell me this is a symptom of the leak? Thanks

https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75309799445330

https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75320489819170

https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75339427024834

 

Looks pretty suspicious, not has dramatic as Supraman's but I'd have it checked while in warranty.

 

Has Toyota coolant always been pink?

I cant wait to go down and check mine out.


~Dv8

 

Pink and red these days. Pink is billed as Super Long Lasting (~100K miles).

 

Um yep....Houston we have a problem!