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Radiator leak
Hi guys, new to the group so please be gentle.
I have a 2002 LS430 and whilst doing some checks I noticed the transmission oil cooler hose attachment is rather damp with a little crystallisation as you can see in the picture. I’ve ordered a new radiator and will be replacing it next weekend, I’ve not had any issues with shifting and the trans oil is red and not burnt (hopefully good news) what I’m asking is, is this a sign it’s too late and it’s just a matter of time until the gearbox fails or if I take action now is it likely I’ve managed to prevent death by gearbox?
thanks!
Pull the Trans dipstick and check the fluid level. A little bit of seepage around the connection is not uncommon but as long as the fluid level inside the transmission is still sufficient you should be fine.
It's totally fine, I'm sure nothing went bad from a coolant weep like that
That gives me some degree of comfort, thanks man! Always been a manual french hot hatch man until I bought this ls430 so I’m still getting used to the whole heavily engineered auto thing haha!
Pull the Trans dipstick and check the fluid level. A little bit of seepage around the connection is not uncommon but as long as the fluid level inside the transmission is still sufficient you should be fine.
Checked the level and it’s sitting bang on maximum, hearing all the horror stories of the atf/coolant mixing scared me a lot when I saw the connection was damp, very glad I posted in here now as it’s put my mind at ease!
Checked the level and it’s sitting bang on maximum, hearing all the horror stories of the atf/coolant mixing scared me a lot when I saw the connection was damp, very glad I posted in here now as it’s put my mind at ease!
This is coolant leaking from the radiator, not ATF. You need to pay attention to your coolant level until you can replace the radiator, usually leaking coolant will crystalize at the point of the leak, it's best to refill with Toyota red.
Just to add....when I bought my car I drove 2 days with ZERO coolant in the reservoir and zero to be seen in radiator. The temp was never high. These cars are neglected because of the 10 yr. initial coolant life, and the reservoir being hidden. So low coolant won't hurt anything, just don't ever want the temp to rise above normal nor burst and have a massive loss....definitely address it when you can!
This is coolant leaking from the radiator, not ATF. You need to pay attention to your coolant level until you can replace the radiator, usually leaking coolant will crystalize at the point of the leak, it's best to refill with Toyota red.
Yeah I knew it was coolant the minute I saw the crystal’s, Coolant level hasn’t dropped in the expansion tank thankfully but I still fear that the coolant and ATF is/has mixed
Just to add....when I bought my car I drove 2 days with ZERO coolant in the reservoir and zero to be seen in radiator. The temp was never high. These cars are neglected because of the 10 yr. initial coolant life, and the reservoir being hidden. So low coolant won't hurt anything, just don't ever want the temp to rise above normal nor burst and have a massive loss....definitely address it when you can!
luckily the level hasn’t dropped but I’ve been monitoring it and I’ve not found any puddles under the car so I’m hopeful I’ve caught it at the start of the problem, biggest worry i have is the ATF and coolant mixing due to the leak but I’m not sure how likely that would be
Radiator leak - oh ******
