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

SERIOUS COOLANT problem!

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Old 07-27-08, 08:30 AM
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ryanSC300lover
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Default SERIOUS COOLANT problem!

So I flushed my radiator fluid on thursday along with the timing belt and all the other stuff. Everything is fine.

However, just noticed last night, huge puddle under front of car, passenger side.

Was scratching my head why it would be. Was going to take off the underpanel, then saw that all the way on the right side of the car, in front of the right front wheel, there is a small hole, that is where the leak is coming from. There is a little plastic tube.

Then looked at my coolant reservoir, and the red stuff is at low (2 days ago it was full).

So can anyone help? Its sunday, and all the stores are closed around here.

1) Is the leak coming from the botom of the radiator? Why would the tube there, be releasing so much coolant?

2) Where can I buy the red stuff so that I can drive to a shop first thing tomorrow?

THANKS THANKS THANKS

Last edited by ryanSC300lover; 07-27-08 at 11:00 AM.
Old 07-27-08, 10:41 AM
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PK_Celsior
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got a picture of the particular tube ?
Old 07-27-08, 11:05 AM
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LiCelsior
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this Ryan?


sounds like u didnt tighten up the front draincock and its slowly draining out.
Old 07-27-08, 11:06 AM
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ryanSC300lover
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Originally Posted by PK_Celsior
got a picture of the particular tube ?
Here you go. Front of the car, behind the tow hook. This is the hole, and there is a small black pipe in there.
Attached Thumbnails SERIOUS COOLANT problem!-ticket-022.jpg  
Old 07-27-08, 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by LiCelsior
this Ryan?


sounds like u didnt tighten up the front draincock and its slowly draining out.

Joe I am 99% sure that is the same pipe. I haven't taken the undertray off again.
Damn I am stupid!! Ok, so now should I reflush it again? Or just tighten the plug and pour more fluid in the system?

Thanks for the help!

You guys rock
Old 07-27-08, 11:15 AM
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LiCelsior
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just tighten and pour more coolant in, just flushed mine last week and after suffering a cracked radiator on tues....had to replace all my coolant again.
Old 07-27-08, 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by LiCelsior
just tighten and pour more coolant in, just flushed mine last week and after suffering a cracked radiator on tues....had to replace all my coolant again.
Thanks buddy! Gotta wait till tomorrow morning when Toyota dealer opens in order to buy red coolant.

Your radiator cracked after you flushed it? That sucks!
Old 07-27-08, 11:27 AM
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LiCelsior
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yeh i converted to a electric fan and i dunno how but all the blades are gone and theres a hole in my radiator....was secure tightly to the radiator since i took it out to put it on properly but guess not. got a 94 radiator for 100 bucks and its better than my 93 one so u can call it a "upgrade" . good luck.
Old 07-27-08, 11:29 AM
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Thanks for your help!
Old 07-27-08, 08:53 PM
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UPDATE

Tried the drain ****...it is nice and tight. However, it is still dripping from that pipe.

It is dripping few drops (not as much as before).

Coolant on level is on "low" now
Old 07-30-08, 07:02 PM
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Problem fixed

Drain **** was fine, it was the 0 ring inside, which was almost squared. So good info for people doing future flushes.
Old 07-31-08, 11:12 AM
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rsg
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Originally Posted by LiCelsior
just tighten and pour more coolant in, just flushed mine last week and after suffering a cracked radiator on tues....had to replace all my coolant again.
What causes a cracked radiator anyway? I just had mine replaced and the bill came to $1000 for the radiator, coolant and transmission fluid.
Old 07-31-08, 11:56 AM
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LiCelsior
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Originally Posted by rsg
What causes a cracked radiator anyway? I just had mine replaced and the bill came to $1000 for the radiator, coolant and transmission fluid.
my ELECTRIC fan gave out, blades hit the radiator, coolant poured out. cost me probably 130 with radiator and coolant refill.
Old 07-31-08, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by LiCelsior
my ELECTRIC fan gave out, blades hit the radiator, coolant poured out. cost me probably 130 with radiator and coolant refill.
My invoice listed the radiator alone (OEM) at $600
Old 07-31-08, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by rsg
My invoice listed the radiator alone (OEM) at $600
That is at the dealer. Online Toyota dealers are lot cheaper I.e. I did a full timing belt/water pump/all rotors/plugs/wires/pulley tensioners/hood struts/brake pads. Local dealer wanted 2178$ for parts only. I bought them online for 858$ same OEM parts.

It pays to shop around (literally).


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