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Coolant leaking from thermostat housing

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by oneoftheunderdogs, Apr 20, 2025.

  1. Apr 20, 2025 at 1:06 PM
    #1
    oneoftheunderdogs

    oneoftheunderdogs [OP] New Member

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    Thilo
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    2006 Tundra SR5 DC 4x4 V8
    Hi all,
    changed my serpentine belt yesterday and noticed reddish fluid on the inside of my skid plate. I changed my oil last weekend and didn't notice it then, so not sure if I just missed it or if this is a new leak. I just got the truck two weeks ago. Anyway, I was able to trace the leak to the thermostat housing where I see a little bit of coolant pooling at the bottom of the housing (see third image below). Before I go and get a new gasket, is there anywhere else I should check for leaks? This does seem like it's the spot, but is there an easy way to check the water pump? Water pump and timing belt were done 25k miles ago.
    The coolant in the reservoir is slightly below the L line. Checked the radiator cap and level seems fine there, for now. I will probably get a gallon of coolant from my local Toyota dealer tomorrow together with the gasket and top it off periodically until I get to it.
    Any other suggestions? Thanks all!

    IMG_3583.jpg IMG_3582.jpg IMG_3581.jpg IMG_3577.jpg
     
  2. Apr 20, 2025 at 2:25 PM
    #2
    bfunke

    bfunke Tundra Curmudgeon

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    Top it off. Hose off those area. Drive it till up to temp and carefully inspect common leak areas for drips. Refer to Shifty’s megathread
     
  3. Apr 20, 2025 at 2:28 PM
    #3
    oneoftheunderdogs

    oneoftheunderdogs [OP] New Member

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    Thanks! I did check @shifty` s thread and found other common spots to check! Do I top off the reservoir or at the radiator cap?
     
  4. Apr 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
    #4
    bfunke

    bfunke Tundra Curmudgeon

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    If reservoir is not empty then radiator is probably full. If top hose is stiff when warm it it. Only open radiator when cool or risk serious burn.
     
    shifty` likes this.
  5. Apr 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM
    #5
    oneoftheunderdogs

    oneoftheunderdogs [OP] New Member

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    2006 Tundra SR5 DC 4x4 V8
    Definitely good advice, thank you! Will get some coolant and top of reservoir. Thank you!
     
  6. Apr 26, 2025 at 8:23 PM
    #6
    oneoftheunderdogs

    oneoftheunderdogs [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Male
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    Thilo
    Vehicle:
    2006 Tundra SR5 DC 4x4 V8
    Update: Replaced the O-ring today. The old O-ring didn't look that bad, maybe a little dry, but not brittle or anything, so no obvious reason it was leaking other than old age. The job took a little longer than expected, around 4.5 hours, mostly because I took my time cleaning the old FIPG material (still the factory gasket I believe) and I was trying to figure out if I could get away with not draining the block (spoiler: I could not, spilled coolant over the pulleys and belt, cleaned that up with fresh water). Overall not a bad job at all, refilled with Zerex coolant and made sure to get all the air out. The coolant that I drained from the radiator was more red than Zerex pink, hope it's okay to mix? Attaching some photos below. Went for a test drive and hope for no leaks tomorrow morning, it was only leaking when the engine was cold with a half full reservoir.

    IMG_3604.jpg
    IMG_3605.jpg
    IMG_3608.jpg
    IMG_3610.jpg
    IMG_3611.jpg
    IMG_3612.jpg IMG_3613.jpg
     
    shifty` and G_unit3000 like this.

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